For anyone that enjoys a cup of espresso now and then, it is possible to make your own espresso powder, using the brewed grounds from your coffee machine. Here are the basics of how this powder is made, as well as some suggestions for using it.
Espresso powder begins life as a select variety of coffee beans that are cultivated specifically for the brewing of espresso. Usually, the beans are ground just before the espresso is brewed. Once the grounds have been used to make espresso, they do not have to be discarded. Instead, the used grounds can be dried and then crushed into a fine powder. The grounds retain a great deal of flavor and the powder that is made from the crushed grounds will have plenty of taste and aroma. The end result is a handy cooking additive that can be used in a number of different recipes for both foods and drinks.
One of the more common uses of espresso powder is to whip up a cup of instant espresso. Spooned into hot water or milk in the same manner that instant coffee is used, the powdered espresso produces a great tasting cup of espresso in just minutes.
Along with making a quick cup of espresso, it is possible to include espresso powder in a number of desserts. For example, when preparing a chocolate filling in a double boiler, add one or two teaspoons of espresso powder to provide extra flavor to the filling. Cakes can also benefit from this material as well. A little powder added to the cake batter before baking will enhance the overall taste and also accentuate the vanilla flavoring that is commonly used in many cakes. Even something as simple as fried fruit pies may find a little espresso flavor to be welcome.
This material can also be used as a garnish on some foods as well. For example, a light dusting of turnovers or cooked fruit will work well. In like manner, applying espresso powder instead of powdered sugar to a Bundt cake will make a welcome change not only in appearance but also in taste.
For persons who do not wish to take the time to dry and crush their own espresso powder from coffee grounds, there are commercially packaged brands. These can often be found in the gourmet sections of the local supermarket, as well as at specialty food shops.
