We’re all used to coffee as a routine part of the day.  But while OVC is fantastic in a cup, beans and grounds can do all sorts of great things in desserts, shakes, and snacks! Here are some ideas, so easy an undergrad could do it. I hope you’ll give them a try.

  1. Having company?  Instead of the obligatory bowl of candy or peanuts, drizzle white and dark chocolate over coffee beans.  Be generous with the chocolate!  When the chocolate re-solidifies, you’ll have a  pretty homemade snack to set out for your guests, and the leftovers make an unexpected addition to trail mix.
  2. Put some kick in milkshakes and smoothies by throwing in a handful of beans.  They’ll add texture and put another layer of flavor behind the fruit and dairy.
  3. Espresso brownies.  You can throw a handful of grounds in the batter, or do a tiramisu-style treat by pouring brewed coffee on the finished baked good until the bottom layer is fully saturated.
  4. Okay, this one really isn’t a kitchen thing…but if you fill a wine glass 3/4 way full with coffee beans, it makes a tasteful pencil holder for the home or office.  You can even put a candle in a dish and surround it with coffee beans.  Looks classically stylish and smells great, too!
  5. Cake frosting is the bane of any baker’s existence.  You envision swirly borders and smooth sides, and end up with a gloppy mess.  The next time you feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy is laughing at you on the side of the frosting can, line coffee beans along the edges of the cake or sprinkle grounds along the sides.  Three beans arranged in the center of a circular cake add instant charm, too.  A dusting of grounds is an easy update for bundt cakes- not to mention a subtle boost of flavor.

Today, I’m ending the blog on a “sweet” note with these coffee hints. This is my last post as an OVC intern, and a very big thank you to those who have followed my journey!  I have learned so much- about coffee, about business, about people- and I am thankful to the whole village for this experience.

  1. adaywithovc posted this