Coffee can be used as a great way to start your day...or end it, at the grill. The dark and toasty undertones from the coffee in this dry rub pair well with dark meats. Any freshly ground coffee beans will work; choose dark roast for the biggest coffee flavor or a lighter roast if you’re looking for something a little more subtle. Use on: Chicken thighs, duck, beef, lamb

Makes about 1 cup

ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/2 cup finely ground coffee
1/4 cup coarsely ground pepper
3 tablespoons kosher salt

Mix coffee, pepper and salt together in a small bowl. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the rub. Using your hands, rub it evenly onto 1 1/2 pounds (6 servings) of your chosen protein just before grilling.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per teaspoon: 5 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 382 mg sodium; 29 mg potassium.

0 Carbohydrate servings

Exchanges: free food

TIP: Follow the marinating times, cooking times and temperatures below for juicy, perfect grilling results.

EXTRA-FIRM TOFU
30 minutes to overnight
2-3 minutes per side

SALMON FILLET
30 minutes
3-5 minutes per side

CHICKEN BREAST boneless, skinless
2 hours to overnight
6-8 minutes per side; 165°F

CHICKEN THIGHS boneless, skinless
2 hours to overnight
6-8 minutes per side; 165°F

CHICKEN THIGHS bone-in, skinless
2 hours to overnight
15-25 minutes, turning occasionally; 165°F

DUCK BREAST boneless, skinless
2 hours to overnight
4-8 minutes per side; 150°F

PORK CHOPS bone-in, 3/4" thick
2 hours to overnight
3-4 minutes per side; 145°F

PORK TENDERLOIN
2 hours to overnight
14-16 minutes, turning occasionally; 145°F

FLANK STEAK
2 hours to overnight
6-8 minutes per side; 140°F for medium

STRIP STEAK bone-in, 3/4"-1" thick
2 hours to overnight
4-5 minutes per side; 140°F for medium

LAMB LOIN CHOPS
2 hours to overnight
5-6 minutes per side; 145°F for medium

*All cooking times based on medium-high grill temperature and cooking with the grill lid closed.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

An added benefit to marinading in coffee or tea, is that it inhibits the absorbtion of iron. My husband and daughter have a condition called hemochromatosis(iron overload). It is nice for them to have an occasional piece of red meat without alot of concern. Marinading steak in coffee or tea allows them that luxury on occasion.

Peggy , Rifton, NY