Cooking for Real Season 8 Episode 10 Brewed Awakening

In season 8, episode 10 of Cooking for Real, entitled "Brewed Awakening," host Sunny Anderson takes viewers on a journey through the world of coffee-infused recipes. As Anderson explains, coffee is not just for drinking – it can add depth and richness to dishes both savory and sweet.

To kick things off, Anderson shares her recipe for Coffee-Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta. She shows viewers how to sear the short ribs in a hot pan before adding onions, garlic, and a generous pour of brewed coffee. The meat simmers in the fragrant mixture until it is fall-apart tender, and Anderson serves it over a bed of silky polenta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Next up, Anderson tackles a sweet and indulgent breakfast dish: Coffee and Toffee Sticky Buns. She demonstrates how to make a rich brioche dough that is infused with both brewed coffee and instant espresso powder. Once the dough has risen and been rolled out, Anderson fills it with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and toffee bits before slicing it into individual rolls. The finished product is a decadent treat that would be equally at home on a brunch table or a dessert platter.

For a savory side dish, Anderson showcases her recipe for Java-Rubbed Steak Fries. She explains that the secret to achieving smoky, coffee-infused flavor is to make a dry rub using ground coffee, brown sugar, and a variety of aromatic spices. The fries are tossed in the rub before being roasted in the oven until golden brown and crispy.

Finally, Anderson rounds out the episode with a refreshing dessert that is perfect for warm weather: Coffee Granita with Whipped Cream. She demonstrates how to make a simple syrup using brewed coffee, sugar, and vanilla extract, which is then frozen and scraped with a fork every 30 minutes until it forms fluffy, icy flakes. To serve, Anderson tops the granita with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Throughout the episode, Anderson shares interesting facts about the history and cultural significance of coffee, as well as tips for brewing the perfect cup at home. She emphasizes that coffee is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from meaty mains to sweet desserts. By the end of the episode, viewers are sure to have a newfound appreciation for the humble coffee bean and all the delicious dishes it can inspire.