food

Espresso for Dinner and Dessert

Espresso is great as a beverage, but better in balsamic chicken and bonbon cookies.

food

Espresso for Dinner and Dessert

Espresso is great as a beverage, but better in balsamic chicken and bonbon cookies.

Ingredients

Cookies

  • Cookies
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup strong espresso
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Steps

Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, coffee and flour. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate so dough is easier to manage.
  3. Shape cookie dough into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
  4. Frost cookies.

Frosting

  1. While the cookies are baking, make the glaze. Melt butter and chocolate together. Add sugar and milk and mix until smooth.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups red potatoes
  • 1 cup carrots
  • 1 cup onion
  • 1 cup asparagus
  • 1 cup button mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 chicken legs
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup strong espresso
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • Parsley

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, asparagus and mushrooms to a large roasting pan. Drizzle oil over and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Place chicken on top and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
  3. While the chicken is roasting, in a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, espresso, garlic, dried oregano, salt and pepper to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
  4. Brush chicken with the balsamic espresso sauce. Roast for another 15 minutes. Brush again and finish roasting for 10 minutes.
  5. Serve with a garnish of parsley.