There’s nothing quite like a cup of coffee to get your day started, but did you know that your trusty jar of instant coffee can do more than just perk you up?
As someone who always has a jar in the pantry (because, let’s be honest, life without coffee is unthinkable), I’ve discovered a few clever ways to put instant coffee to work beyond your morning brew.
Here are three game-changing hacks that you need to try:
- Chilled coffee and vanilla milk
Serves 2
Combine 500ml (2 cups) boiling water with 15ml (1 tbsp) instant coffee and pour into ice trays to freeze overnight. Combine 300ml milk with the seeds of 2 vanilla pods and a little sugar to taste, if desired. Pile 2 glasses with coffee ice cubes and pour over the vanilla milk. Serve immediately instead of your hot, morning cappuccino.
- Affogato
Serves 1
An affogato is perfect as a simple and sweet end to a summer lunch. For 1 affogato, combine 7.5ml (1½ tsp) instant coffee with 40ml boiling water and serve alongside 2 scoops vanilla ice cream in a glass. Allow your guests to pour their espressos over their scoops of ice cream.
- Chilli & coffee-rubbed steak
Serves 2
To make an intense and delicious rub for your next steak, combine 15ml (1 tbsp) instant coffee with 1 seeded and finely chopped red chilli. Add a small handful of thyme leaves and 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and rub all over 2 steaks.
Grill your steaks in a smoking hot pan or over hot coals until done to your liking. Season well and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Written by Virginia Boshoff
First published by Food & Home
Also see: Could coffee be your new liver medicine? | Bona Magazine
