Have you ever used coffee in a recipe?  I’ve never really thought about it as an ingredient, brewed or grinds.  I’ve had chocolate covered espresso beans and espresso martinis, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it used in a meal.  When Dunkin’ asked me to come up with a recipe, it really got me thinking.  I’ll admit, I briefly considered donut burger buns, or maybe a bacon, egg and cheese on the grill with tomato jam or hot red relish, but I settled on coffee, the grinds to be exact.

I found myself at work, wondering what would happen if I put coffee grinds on a steak.  I didn’t want a mouthful of coffee grinds with my steak, but thought the might soften or toast on the grill.  I started thinking about a backup plan just in case and thought a coffee butter might do the trick if the grinds didn’t work out.

I decided to try a salad dressing while I was at it.  I thought raspberry would pair well with the coffee and provide a bright note of fruit against the steak.  I have to say, everything came out great!

Steak:

• steak
• salt
• peper
• Dunkin’ Original Blend Ground Coffee
• candied jalapeño glaze
• coffee butter

Marinate steak in the glaze from a jar of The Backyard Food Company candied jalapeños. Season generously with salt and pepper.  Don’t be afraid to put too much on there. Don’t be ridiculous but use a good amount.  That’s really all I do with my steaks, but this time I sprinkled coffee grinds evenly across the top.  I didn’t go as heavy with the grinds as the salt and pepper.  I sear both side on the grill at a very high heat and then move them to the top rack and cut the heat to around 300 until medium rare.  Top with coffee butter and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting.  I like to serve it cut into strips.

Coffee Butter

• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 sticks softened butter
• 3 tbsp Dunkin’ Original Blend Ground Coffee

Warm heavy cream and Dunkin’ Original Blend Ground Coffee in a small sauce pan.  I like to do it slowly because this is where you’re “brewing” the coffee.  Strain and add liquids to the butter in a food processor and pulse until well combined.  This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.  I like to take it out in advance and let it soften.  It has a velvety texture, the coffee flavor is subtle and buttery.  It’s so good and it’s caffeinated!

Creamy Raspberry Coffee Dressing

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 tbsp Dunkin’ Original Blend Ground Coffee
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup raspberries crushed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• salt & pepper to taste

Warm the Dunkin’ Original Blend Ground Coffee in the buttermilk.  You’re doing the same thing you did with the coffee butter.  Strain and cool the liquids and then whisk all ingredients until well combined.  Chill before serving.

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