Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Ribs

Photo: SCOTT THOMAS

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup chili powder
• ¼ cup ground Café Svenska
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
• Olive oil

Directions:

Combine chili powder, coffee, paprika, brown sugar, mustard, salt, black pepper, cocoa powder and oregano in a bowl.

Brush ribs with olive oil and then season both sides with salt and pepper. Rub spice mixture onto both sides of ribs. Let marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Place on a preheated grill away from hot coals. Cook 30 minutes per side or until fully cooked and tender. Serve with Coffee BBQ Sauce! Enjoy!!

Coffee BBQ Sauce

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup Café Svenska, freshly brewed
• ¼ cup dark molasses
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions:

Saute garlic in olive oil until just lightly browned. Pour vinegars into pto and cook, stirring for 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in remaining ingredients and cook for 10 minutes to blend the ingredients. Remove sauce from heat and strain through a fine sieve. Serve hot or at room temperature.

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH COFFEE

1. Pair coffee with strong flavors – Coffee grounds will boost the flavor of most meats, like beef, pork or chicken. Coffee is very strong and flavorful and, consequently, should be paired with other strong flavors.

2. Use Coffee like a spice – Coffee runs, marinades and sauces add a delectable complexity to grilled meats, but coffee can also punctuate its distinctive taste into soups and stews and even tomato sauce. Think of using coffee as a spice, like you would use any other spice.

3. Try coffee in its different forms – Coffee can be used in both its ground and brewed forms. Ground coffee is good for rubs and marinades while brewed coffee works well with stews or sauces.

4. Get creative with coffee – Take your favorite Mokk-a coffee and incorporate it into your meals. Most coffees pair well with citrus, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, garlic and salt.