Friday, April 30, 2010

Leftover Coffee becomes Fabulous Granita - Simple Saturday

There's a wonderful food movement brewing that's all about using plants, meats and resources to their full extent. Personally, I grew up with a mom that didn't waste anything. As a single mom, she couldn't afford to throw things out, so re-purposing was just an every day necessity. I, organically think like that and its one of the reasons I love Simple Saturday ideas like this:

Coffee Granita w/Chipotle Cinnamon Cream
Obviously, you can use fresh brewed coffee or espresso for this treat, but it does serve as a great way to use up the coffee you over-brewed instead of tossing it down the drain. Coffee that has been sitting for a while can get bitter, so sweetening with a touch of agave, sugar or honey is advised. I wouldn't use coffee that is more than a few hours brewed.

RECIPE: Coffee Granita (aka: Italian Ice)

Brewed coffee or espresso
2 tbls of honey, agave or sugar for every 1 cup of brewed coffee

Heat or reheat the coffee and stir in the sugar to dissolve (you want it to taste a little stronger and sweeter than just drinking coffee). Carefully pour the coffee into a shallow baking pan . You want the coffee to be less than an inch deep.
Put the pan in the freezer and every 1/2 hour, remove and use a fork to scrape the icy coffee into crystals, then return to the freezer.
When serving, scoop into a glass and top with prepared cream. Serve immediately.
*this makes a tasty treat, dessert, a between courses icy palate cleanser, or a finish to a rich meal.

RECIPE: Chipotle Cinnamon Cream

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp powdered sugar
pinch of chipotle chili powder
pinch of cinnamon
*optional - tiny dash of fresh ground nutmeg

Stir the chili powder and cinnamon into the teaspoon of powdered sugar. Whip the cream til thick and add the spicy powdered sugar. Continue whipping the cream to a thick, but not too firm consistency. Keep chilled. Place a small dollop on each Coffee Granita just before serving.

Having Coffee Granita on hand in the freezer is so easy, and everyone loves when you bring it out. It always looks like so much more than it is, and who doesn't like the fun of icy treats melting on your tongue. My mom will be proud of you.

4 comments:

oneordinaryday said...

Wonderful idea, esp. with the added whipped cream on top. Great combination of flavors there!

Khali//Bandit and the Scene Stealers said...

I am out of town right now but I can't wait to try this when I get home. I ALWAYS have left over coffee and I am always wanting something sweet. This is Perfect!

Unknown said...

Like this! Going to try it this weekend!

Kristen said...

It seems like I always have extra coffee- what a great idea!