Chocolate and coffee and go together like chocolate and vanilla. Coffee highlights the chocolate deep, rich flavor without imparting flavor of its own. There are many ways to get the coffee flavor, but my new favorite way is this Double Espresso Liqueur form Morad winery in Israel. They just started bringing in the Double Espresso, so look for it in your liquor store by you or ask them to get it for you. It is wonderful to sip over ice or to mix with a dairy milk based cocktail, but I am most excited about the way it pairs with chocolate.
When I first tasted this liqueur I knew I had to mix it up in a hot drink and a rich and creamy hot chocolate was the perfect choice. I made it with almond milk to keep it parve and keep the calories down a bit and topped with my homemade marshmallows for extra gooey goodness. But the best part was the liqueur and don’t worry about drinking it too late in the night, my theory is the alcohol counteracts any caffeine their might be.
DOUBLE ESPRESSO FUDGY BROWNIES
The real wow factor will come from these brownies. When my husband was eating the leftovers a couple of days after we served these bad boys he couldn’t help but declare how great they were, even when they were starting to go stale. I worked to keep the calories lighter here and even made them with whole wheat flour, although I think it would be a little less crumbly if you use regular all-purpose. They are non dairy of course so yo can make them any time, just make sure to add the liqeuer it really enhances the chocolate flavor.
Now that you know my secret, I would love to hear yours? What do you like to use to enhance flavors in your foods?
Anything with chocolate sounds yummy to me
Dill especially on potatoes, with sour cream, on my Vegannaise on the sides of my sandwiches.
Peanut butter!
Throw in cinnamon
I like to use Worcestershire sauce!
I premix my own custom spice blends to save time. I always have a small jar of “burrito” spice to create restaurant-worthy burritos out of tortillas, cheese and vegetarian refried beans in a jiffy (microwave really saves time). The spices are sprinkled on the refried beans and the melty cheese smoothy combines all of the fillings together. I also have a “fish” spice mix – almond crusted talapia sprinkled with this and some melted butter with lemon juice is a perfectly easy entree that always impresses, and is very healthy (baked, no carbohydrates!).
In chili I always add some unsweetened cocoa for an extra authentic Mexican twist (like mole). I add nutmeg and garlic to mashed potatoes (as well as salt and pepper). I use cookbooks or other people’s recipes for inspiration; not always for specific directions. I trust my instincts and experience to imagine the results, and am usually successful!
Cilantro in soups and salads gives a jolt of unexpected flavor.
I’ve been substituting black rice in my rice dishes for a nuty more intense flavor and I’ve discovered I love lime juice when it calls for lemon.
I like to add salt to things.
Vanilla as i’m not that adventurous
I love to use garlic, rosemary, cilantro, and jalapeno to flavor my foods.
I use Sabra liqueur. I put it in brownies, jams (especially fig and plum), chocolate cheesecakes…really just about anything
Ground vanilla bean to most baked goods, even challah
Apple cider vinegar is great in so many things!
I love adding different types of salts, especially with dessert!
rum is my favorite
I use mayonnaise salad dressing in my cakes for added moisture and flavor.
I have a brownie recipe that includes black beans. Less fat and more fiber.
spices and different fresh vegetables
I love to bake with cardamon. I buy the pods and grind them as I need. People love my enhanced spice cake but can’t figure out what that unusual spice is.
Vanilla
pure vanilla extract – perks everything up!
a splash of lemon juice makes lots of things taste better
I LOVE to put cinnamon in my Protien shakes each morning.
If it’s a savory dish then I love adding worcestershire sauce.
I really want to win the $50 Amzon Gift Card!! Please pick me!!
secret ingredient is ahava
I add some wine to add flavor to food when cooking
I use spices.
I like to put Frank’s hot sauce on everything.
Everything is better with garlic!
I like to add coffee to brownies and cookies!
cinnamon!
I liked to use spices like cinnamon or allspice, nutmeg, garlic and onion powder
Oh YUM!Those sound yummy! My favorite/secret additions are: a)in baking salt, just a little will do it and make the sweet taste sweeter 2)and then for cooking coconut oil, so great for frying and much healthier option than other oils when heated
I make white rice and add dried dill to it (in addition to earth balance and salt). We love it!
coffee
I don’t have many except that i am always using subs like applesauce instead of oil to make thibgs healthier
I make candied organic peel from lemons, limes, oranges and some more exotic. I run some through the food processor until fine. I add it to many recipes, savory and sweet, to give a citrusy note. Add to everything from whipped cream to Asian sauces, to health bars.
To enhance the flavors of SWEETS….vanilla
For SAVORY dishes…salt and pepper, or course, and some fresh herbs (parsley being the go-to in my kitchen)
I put garlic in everything except desserts, which almost always get walnuts.
When a cake recipe calls for instant coffee, I like to use instant flavored coffee such as hazelnut or vanilla to add that extra rich flavor.
spices
I use STORE BRAND Swiss Chocolate (get friends to bring it back for you!). It’s not at ALL expensive and so much higher quality… easier melting, etc.
salt
I discovered that substituting hazelnut extract for almond extract in biscotti is a big hit.
orange liquer
commented on other post as lisa brown: http://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/kale-and-potato-hash-with-fried-egg/
I like dried spices, especially cinnamon and turmeric.