There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. From drip filtered and French pressed, to the modern home espresso machines, the way we drink coffee has come a long way in a short time.

However, it doesn’t always have to belong in your morning mug. It can be used to bring sweet and savoury recipes alive, adding a unique and vibrant mood to your next dinner party.

“Coffee has always been there in cooking, occasionally as the hero of the dish, or sometimes in more of a supporting role adding nuance and body,” says Daniel Adams, Miele Culinary Expert.

Mr. Adams says there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate coffee into cooking and has the following recipe ideas.

Coffee in sweet treats

Using coffee in a sweet dish is all about balancing the flavours, according to Mr. Adams.

“Chocolate and vanilla go well with the rich bittersweet flavour of coffee, which makes it perfect for puddings, cakes and custards.

“Or a little shot of coffee in a sticky date pudding batter contrasts the sweetness of the dates and adds a mature undertone,” he added.

When it comes to the best recipes, Miele’s Chocolate and Coffee Budino with caramel sauce is a favourite for Mr. Adams.

“This recipe is fantastic to use because the Miele Steam Oven is so gentle and consistent that the full flavour of the coffee is maintained, allowing it to compliment the chocolate beautifully.

“The best thing is that this dessert can be made in advance and just sit in the fridge until needed, perfect for entertaining,” he added.

Mr. Adams also recommends a shot of coffee poured over the top of homemade custard as a simple indulgence.

“If you prepare the custard in small jars they can be served individually with the fresh shot of coffee poured on top along with crumbled biscuit crumbs.”

A spot of savoury

While sweet dishes spring to mind first when thinking about coffee, there are a myriad of ways to incorporate the rich flavour into your next dinner degustation.

“Coffee can be used in sauces or as a rub for grilled and roasted meats for added depth of flavour,” said Mr Adams.

“Another interesting product is Maggie Beer’s fantastic coffee flavoured Vino Cotto that easily treads the line between an interesting vinegar alternative and a complex topping for a caramelised banana sundae!” he said.

Creating perfect coffee

Creating these culinary delights has never been easier than with Miele’s CM6350 Benchtop Coffee Machine.

Mr. Adams says: “Miele’s CM6350 Coffee Machine easily adjusts the temperature, grind, size and strength of the brew for each preparation.

This ensures I can make a faultless espresso, using my favourite beans that perfectly folds into a custard or savoury sauce.

“For larger-scale cooking, the ‘Coffee Pot’ function is perfect, as it automatically prepares up to eight long black coffees in one pot.

“This function is great if I am making tiramisu and need a lot of coffee for dipping biscuits in. Miele’s CM6350 Coffee Machine prepares the coffee, I let it cool, whisk in a little liqueur and I’m ready to go,” said Mr Adams.

At a glance: Miele’s CM6350 Coffee Machine

Top features include:

Stores up to four favourite coffee profiles.

One touch for two: delivers two cups of coffee at once, perfect for guests.

Heated cup rack: coffee releases its flavour best with a preheated cup.

Adjustable spout: to ensure a perfect crema.

Easy to clean: automatic self-cleaning programs, dishwasher-safe drip tray and removable brew unit.

Ground coffee chute: give you the option to use ground coffee instead of beans, so you can enjoy a decaf without removing your coffee beans.

Expert guidance

For cooking connoisseurs who are passionate about food and hungry to learn more, Miele hosts specialised MasterClasses throughout the year, where Miele’s Home Economists present recipes created by Maggie Beer and Shannon Bennett that are designed specifically for Miele appliances.

Miele also offer complimentary cooking classes at eight Miele Experience Centres across Australia and New Zealand. They are located at Knoxfield, Victoria; South Melbourne, Victoria, Frenchs Forest, Sydney, NSW; Hilton, South Australia; Eagle Farm, Queensland; Southport, Queensland; Claremont, Western Australia; Auckland, New Zealand.