Really, we can't sing enough praises for coffee, the magic bean juice that keeps us alive some days. So when we found out that November 8 is not just Election Day, but National Cappuccino Day as well, we knew we had to celebrate our favorite creamy, frothy incarnation of that dark roasted elixir.
As much as we love a good cappuccino, we started thinking, what other foods, drinks and desserts will benefit from coffee? A whole bunch, it turns out. Coffee will add a rich, dark, deep complexity to just about anything, from salad dressing to beef chili. Take a gander:
1. Homemade Lattes, Cappuccinos and Mochas
All you need to go with your strong brewed coffee or espresso is your favorite kind of milk and, ideally, a hand blender, though a regular blender should work well too.
2. Ultimate Cappuccino Cheesecake
Want some cheesecake with a special kick? Try this smooth, rich version, flavored with coffee and cinnamon, complete with creamy Italian mascarpone cheese for a nice silky texture. If you don't have espresso, just mix in some really strong brewed coffee or even the instant stuff.
3. Coffee Marinated Skirt Steak
Deepen and darken the flavor of your steak with this complex, bold and savory marinade. Pair it with grilled corn and/or a crunchy salad for the perfect dinner.
4. Grilled Green Salad With Coffee Vinaigrette
This unique vinaigrette will perk up just about any salad, so choose whatever is in season and can handle being charred. The coffee dressing might sound unusual, but it perfectly complements the deep, smoky flavors of the charred veggies.
5. Coffee Rub
That's right -- you can rub some ground-up coffee beans, salt and pepper all over your favorite cut of meat, from chicken thighs to duck, beef or lamb, to give it a deep, complex flavor.
6. The Best Chili Ever
Want to know how to make the ultimate pot of chili? Add a little chocolate and ground espresso beans. And it's freaking delicious. Seriously.
7. Gort's Reprieve Irish Coffee
Need a tasty adult pick-me-up? Everyone knows Irish coffee is delicious, whether you drink it with Baileys, half and half or just black. But if you want to try something truly unique, original and full of herby, slightly bitter flavors, add some amaro into the mix. You can thank us later.