1- Morning Coffee Smoothies
Some parts of the country are really feeling the heat. Before getting started setting up that barbeque or heading to the beach, cool down your morning with a delicious coffee smoothie.
New frozen coffee drinks are sweeping the chains. McDonald’s is giving Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts a run for their money with their new Mocha and Caramel Frappé and they are practically giving them away. One of my daughters who doesn’t even drink coffee is already addicted, sometimes drinking two a day, but before you run out and get one, better check the nutrition content. At 450 calories for a small, its best left as an occasional treat as opposed to a daily drink.
Try a coffee smoothie at home instead where you can control the calories and the content.
Throw some fresh fruits, coffee, milk and ice (frozen fruits can be used in place of ice)into the blender and you can create a lower calorie healthful drink. For me, ½ a banana, frozen strawberries, blueberries, ½ cup of 1% milk combined with a cup of strongly brewed coffee makes for a great morning.
2- Fire up the Grill with a Coffee Rub
Getting ready to fire up the grill? Try this rub from Francine Segan. Ms. Segan is a noted food historian and author of four cookbooks, with regular appearances on CBS, the Discovery and History channels as well as the Food Network.
Here is her recipe for a rub that can be used on meats like London Broil and chicken breasts, or use it to spice up your favorite chili recipe or barbeque sauce.
Francine's Chili Coffee Rub
3/4 cup finely ground espresso
2 tablespoons Spanish paprika
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
1. Combine all spices in a bowl.
2. Uses: Sprinkle into your favorite chili, baked bean or stew recipe.
Stir into ketchup, honey, or BBQ sauce. Drizzle a little olive oil onto
steaks, chops, fish, or chicken and then press on a good thick layer of the
rub. Grill, broil, or pan fry.
You can check out Ms. Segan’s latest culinary creation, “The Opera Lover’s Cookbook” or schedule of appearances on her website.
3- Cool Down with a Coffee Inspired Dessert
Dessert is often overlooked after a day of barbeques and beaches. Try a bit of coffee ice cream with dark chocolate shavings or this great Coffee Granita recipe on Ehow. I’ll be trying it as well.
Check it out here.
Okay, go forth and celebrate. Have fun and stay safe.
Personal Blog: Morning! (Morning rants of a caffeinated writer)
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