Ina's Chocolate Cake recipe -- with Coffee!

Ok, so this has to be my absolutely favorite chocolate cake recipe, ever! It is so moist, so rich, and so delicious, I have never had anything quite like it before. I honestly cannot rave enough about this recipe. In fact, I am so confident of it I have made batches of cupcakes for coworkers, friends, and relatives to share and delight. I always receive rave reviews and it always comes out perfectly.

The important key to this recipe, is the use of — coffee! Yes, that is right, coffee. Now, mind you it tastes like chocolate cake, not coffee cake. However, that coffee really adds a wonderful note of mocha delight to the cake that you almost can’t quite put your finger on what it reminds you of.

Also, if you make this cake, you absolutely must make the accompanying buttercream frosting! It really sets the whole thing off and sends chocolate-lovers into chocolate orbit. And of course, this is perfect for serving with a delicious cup of coffee! How perfect is that?

Irish Coffee

This video shows the host using Jameson to make her Irish coffee – which is exactly what my husband and I drink! There is nothing better than a Jameson sour or an Irish coffee with Jameson in to enjoy.

So, as St. Patricks day is truly not too far away, I found this wonderful video on how to make a delicious Irish coffee for one of the most beloved holidays of the year! I believe this is the perfect drink for cozying up on a winter night — no need to wait for St. Patricks day to bring a bit of the Irish into your own home!

Thai Iced Coffee & Tea

I absolutely adore Thai iced coffee and tea drinks. They are the beverage I splurge and drink on special occasions. As they are quite sweet and rich, I do not believe they are suited towards everyday drinking.

I found this video online today showing Thai Iced Coffee being made in Thailand. It basically consists of:

• sweetened condensed milk
• sugar
• coffee
• ice
• evaporated milk

The result of these ingredients is pure heaven in a cup.  I love how in this video the result of the iced coffee is served in a plastic bag.  I have not seen that done before.

Affogato al Caffe

I find gelato to be the perfect dessert almost any time of year!  It is both refreshing and creamy at the same time.  It is so sweet and so decadent, yet I feel like I could eat a gallon of it – easily.

While looking online today I found this Affogato al Caffe recipe offered by an instructor from the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) in Hyde Park.  Affogato al cafee is basically coffee-drowned (or drenched) gelato or ice Cream.

This is a great recipe to make if you own an ice cream machine.  It is a quick recipe and it really has my sweet tooth craving some gelato!  Enjoy, and if you make some, please post a comment and let us know how it comes out!

Gordon Ramsay Tiramisu Recipe

Who better to make Tiramisu than Gordon Ramsay?  Ok, maybe an Italian would be better to make it, but that man has my foodie heart!  I love his recipes, own his cookbooks, and plan to visit a restaurant or two of his before I die.

Here is the delectable Gordon Ramsay making his version of Tiramisu.  Try to watch and not drool – I had a hard time not doing that!

Coffee Braised Short Ribs

I love meat that has been marinated or rubbed in coffee. It is surprising how well the meat and coffee notes blend together in perfect harmony. This has been a big food trend over the past couple years as shown on episodes of Top Chef, Paula Deen and so many more.

The following recipe and episode is from an episode of Paula Deen where she cooks with her husband, Michael.  In this episode he is making coffee braised short ribs.  In this recipe he also deglazes with wine, which is a unique touch that I like!

Here is the delicious recipe, that I plan on making very soon, for my sweet husband, Eric!

How to Make Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee, also known as Arabic, Armenian and Greek Coffee, is a method of preparing coffee using finely ground coffee beans that are in a powder-like consistency.  The coffee powder is boiled in a pot, with sugar, before served in a cup where the dregs of coffee settle.  This form of coffee is common in the Middle East and North Africa.

I have never had the pleasure of trying Turkish coffee however I remember an episode of Bizarre Foods where Andrew Zimmern had tried Turkish coffee.  He really enjoyed it and said it was quite strong!

If you are curious about making Turkish coffee this is a great video that is short and quite informational!

Iced Coffee

I am an avid lover of iced coffee! It is truly one of the most delicious and refreshing beverages in summer! Actually, I have been known to drink quite a bit of iced coffee even in the winter. I just love the iciness mixed with the lushness of the coffee. Here is a great video with lots of delicious cold coffee recipes such as vanilla lattes, coffee spritzer, and shaken mocha!

Chocolate Coffee Recipe - Yumm!

I found this recipe while looking around on Youtube for coffee recipes.  I’m always looking for inspiration on new coffee drinks.  Also, sadly I need to cut back on my Starbuck’s budget with the holidays quickly approaching, and making drinks at home seems to be a sensible approach.  So few thoughts about this video:

1) Betty you’re so cute!

2) Betty you even think about our calorie counts – thank you!

3) Betty, what are you wearing?  Regardless, Betty you’re so cute!

Here is the video on how to make Betty’s Mexican Brunch Chocolate Coffee: