Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Löfbergs’ coffee grounds from the Sweden Box. Whether baking desserts or marinating meat, coffee is a versatile ingredient that adds delicious flavor to everything it goes into. In case you need inspiration, here are our top picks.
1. Bake into desserts
From cakes to cookies and brownies to tiramisu, coffee grounds deepen the flavor of any baked treat. Coffee is especially good in chocolate-based desserts, so look for recipes that specially call for it in the recipe.
2. Mix into a meat rub
Try incorporating coffee grounds into your favorite meat rub, then use it with lamb, beef, chicken, or pork.
3. Garnish risotto
Sprinkle a pinch of coffee grounds onto risotto just before serving to add deep, earthy flavors to the famous Italian rice dish. The contrast is surprising and delicious!
4. Flavor ice cream
Make your own coffee ice cream by adding coffee grounds to a pint of vanilla—simply wait until it’s slightly softened, then whisk in the powder until the mixture is once again homogenous. Alternatively, make ice cream from scratch and add the coffee grounds to the custard base.
5. Beat into whipped cream
To make coffee-flavored whipped cream, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, add coffee grounds, and continue to beat until stiff. It’s incredible with any chocolate dessert.
6. Make braised short ribs
Short ribs are exceptional with the addition of coffee in their braising liquid. Try making one with red wine, tomato, and coffee.
7. Add to a marinade
Marinating meat not only adds flavor; it also tenderizes meat with almost no effort. Coffee is a wonderful addition to any marinade. We like to use a combination of oil, herbs, spices—with coffee, of course.
8. Prepare red eye gravy
A Southern classic, red eye gravy is traditionally made with leftover coffee instead of milk. To prepare your own, whisk together equal parts bacon fat and flour in a skillet over moderate heat, add brewed coffee to deglaze, and stir until thickened. Serve with breakfast fixings such as bacon, toast, and eggs.
9. Make mocha
Half coffee, half hot chocolate, mochas are easy to love—even by non-coffee drinkers. To make a cup, whisk coffee with milk, sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over low heat until hot and homogenous.
10. Add to tiramisu
The Italian classic is delicious with ladyfinger cookies soaked in coffee. Fresh berries make for a delicious addition as well.
11. Prepare an affogato
To make this simple Italian dessert, pour a cup of hot coffee over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s as simple as that!
12. Roll into truffles
Instead of rolling homemade chocolate truffles into cocoa powder, roll them into coffee grounds. Coffee is a perfect compliment to the rich flavors of the truffle.
