On a chilly fall morning it’s often the promise of a steamy cup of coffee alone that can pry me from under the warm covers. There’s just something so fulfilling about the ritual – and the dark, rich flavor – of a freshly brewed morning cup of joe. Imagine my pleasure, then, to find so many recipes that use this wonder drink as a secret ingredient! I had no idea the power of the bean…until now.
For example, how do you feel about cappuccino in cookie form? Well, we couldn’t be more pro-cookie than we are for Didi Dalaba’s Cappuccino Caramel ones! “These babies are ‘rockin’ good’!!” smiles Didi, ever effervescent. “They are crispy and gooey, then throw in the flavors of the caramel and then the chocolate… oh my goodness good!!” A sweet, soft cookie with a delightful caramel crunch! Who could ask for more?!
Well, ok, I could also ask for a piece of fudge. Deliciously creamy, Irish coffee fudge! Thanks to Heather M. Baker of Grove City, PA I need only go as far as my own kitchen for complete satisfaction. “All my friends love, love, love this fudge,” exclaims Heather, who adds instant coffee crystals to her fudge for just the right amount of coffee flavor. “Smooth and silky… I like to make this recipe and give it as gifts because [of the] wonderful flavors.” A rich combination of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur, butterscotch morsels and marshmallow cream, this is one gift that I’ll gladly accept any day of the week.
The same could be said of a dessert that Sue Franco has been making for years: Mocha Chocolate Cake. “My entire family and my neighbors look forward to having a piece of cake when I make this,” says Sue proudly. “It is one of the most moist cakes that I have ever made. If you like chocolate, you will enjoy this!!” Well, I sure do second that! This melt-in-your-mouth chocolate delight has all the sinful satisfaction you want from a chocolate cake, but with an added depth of flavor thanks to the addition of, you guessed it… coffee! Sue uses both freshly brewed and instant coffee powder to flavor her cake and creamy icing.
All of these wonderful coffee-infused recipes have me perking at a hundred miles an hour. The possibilities are literally endless. I can’t wait to dive into the bushels of other great eats that are being shared on justapinch.com. Decaf? No thanks. I have oodles to cook before I sleep!