Aromatic Spiced Coffee Rub for Meat

Like a marriage of two fiery and hot-headed people, the pairing of spiced coffee with a strongly-flavored meat (such as venison) might seem odd; yet this versatile rub both tames and accentuates the meat sumptuously — the sharpness of the coffee and the aromatic notes from the star anise and clove will balance the gaminess of the venison. No further preparation is needed other than a slow roast to marry these powerful and strangely complementary lovers.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Yields: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 8  whole star anise
• 6  cloves
• 4  tablespoons  whole coffee beans
• 1  tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1  tablespoon  pink peppercorns
• 1  tablespoon  white peppercorns
• 1  teaspoon dried sage
• 2  tablespoons  gray salt
• 1  tablespoon  muscovado sugar
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Grind the spices together in a spice grinder, careful to let the contents settle before removing the lid.
2. Mix well in a bowl with salt, sugar, and garlic powder.
3. Rub on beef roast or venison and let sit for at least 2 hours.
4. Roast the meat as directed by your recipe.
5. [Chef’s Note: This rub can also be used for grilling meats such as beef, chicken, duck and pork, although the coffee flavor will be quite strong if the meat is not slow-roasted. For grilling, it is suggested using only 2 tablespoons of coffee beans, and using the rub as a seasoning, rather than completely covering the meat.].