3 ways with ... Coffee

Coffee Walnut Cake. Photo / New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Cold Comfort
The perfect end to dinner is affogato, a strong espresso poured over good vanilla icecream. Serve with shot glasses of Frangelico or Grand Marnier and biscotti or amaretto biscuits. Non-purists use chocolate icecream, gelato or Baileys.

Main course
Ground coffee beans mixed with ground black pepper makes a deep, rich rub for beef. Add cayenne pepper and ground cumin, or cardamom and lemon zest or make into a paste with olive oil and worcestershire sauce.

Liquid replacement
Virtually any muffin or cake recipe can be adapted by replacing one of the liquids with strong espresso. Even better paired with chocolate or caramel icing and walnuts.

Available from Countdown.