Tuesday, July 9, 2019

10th Anniversary - Cleo Coyle's Coffee Marinated Steak with #Bookgiveaway + Tote Bag



Happy 10th Anniversary!

Cleo Coyle has a partner in
crime-writing—her husband.
Learn about their books
by clicking here and here.

I am so proud to be one of the founding members of Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen. Back in July 2009, I was already posting recipes online for my Coffeehouse Mystery audience, and I was thrilled to help launch this site to spread the foodie joy. 

At that time (2009), my husband and I had written seven national bestsellers in our culinary mystery series, set in a landmark coffeehouse in New York's Greenwich Village. Our publisher had successfully moved us into hardcover with Espresso Shot, the novel that earned our Coffeehouse series its first starred review, and we were preparing for the publication of book #8, Holiday Grind, our first holiday-themed mystery. 


To learn more about
Cleo's books, click here.
Our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries were also going strong. In 2009, we were celebrating the publication of book #5 The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion...


FLASH FORWARD TEN YEARS: 

Marc and I have re-opened our Haunted Bookshop with a brand new entry in the series, The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller (now an actual bestseller).

As for the Coffeehouse Mysteries, we’re still happily writing them (we're about to sign a brand new contract with Penguin Random House), and we’re looking forward to seeing book #18 Brewed Awakening released in December 2019!



Now for our retro recipe...



Because Mystery Lovers Kitchen was born in the heat of 2009's summer, and because Marc and I are (obviously) coffee mavens, we knew the perfect recipe to help launch the blog. We’re delighted to share that original post with you today, as we say…


Happy 10th Anniversary, MLK!



Time Machine - July 24, 2009

Cleo's first blog post...

Mystery Lovers' Kitchen
Friday, July 24, 2009

ENJOY MY RETRO RECIPE BELOW.

(With the modern addition of a free, downloadable PDF.)


Here’s a simple tip for making an economical cut of meat delicious—and a nice use for your leftover joe, too, because why not make use of every last drop?

Why I love this recipe: Grilling is a cooking process that too often overly dries thinner or less expensive cuts of meat. My coffee marinade imparts a wonderful, earthy character to the meat while also plumping it up, keeping it moist throughout the grilling process. Sure a super-fat T-bone steak would retain its moistness, but who can afford cuts like that for the whole family? As an experiment, I grilled my top round coffee-marinated steak alongside a rib eye steak treated only with dry rub. The top round was half the price, but tasted twice as good, thanks to its little bath in bean juice!

"Can't you just hear the sizzle?"



Ingredients: 

Steaks for grilling or broiling (I use top round)
Cold coffee
Salt & Pepper
Worcestershire sauce (optional) 
Scallions or shallots (optional) 
Steak dry rub (optional)

Step 1: Purchase meat
Go for an economical cut. (I use top round steak.) Pound the steak out with the spike side of a meat hammer. If you don’t have a meat hammer, then put your steak in a plastic bag and pound it with a regular hammer or the back of a ladle – and then prick it all over with a fork. This starts the tenderizing process. (It also gets all kinds of frustrations out. Who needs therapy when you can pound meat?)

Step 2: Cover with coffee
Place your steaks in a glass or plastic container and pour enough cold coffee over them to cover. You can use any kind of coffee. Just save the last dregs of your coffee pot for a few days (store in fridge) and you should have enough for the marinade.

Step 3: Add a little seasoning 
Add a tablespoon of salt (I like sea salt), a dash of pepper, and (optional) a couple of diced scallions or shallots along with a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Cover the container with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 to 3 hours. No longer.

Step 4: Remove and grill 
Pull the steaks out of the container and discard the liquid. Do not rinse. Just apply a favorite dry rub. There are many dry steak rubs available in your grocery aisle. (My favorite is Szeged brand Steak Rub in the cute little black metal can.) Cook your coffee-marinated steaks on a charcoal or gas grill, or broil the meat in the oven. OR cook it on a stovetop...

Through the Grinder
To learn more or buy,
click here!
When my amateur sleuth, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi, made a version of this dish in Through the Grinder, she cooked it in a cast iron skillet on the top of her stove. The stovetop is a great option, too, because it allows for pan drippings, which means...gravy. So I couldn’t resist having Clare whip up a delish side dish of Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Hearty Coffee Gravy. Yes. Coffee gravy! You can find those recipes in the back of Through the Grinder, too.

To find out more about my culinary mystery series, visit my Coffeehouse Mystery Web site, where you’ll find more recipes, as well.

Cheers, everyone,
have a great weekend!

~ Cleo






To download this recipe in a
free PDF that you can print, save,
or share,
click here.
Click here for the free Recipe PDF.

Eat (and read) with joy!

~ Cleo Coyle

New York Times bestselling author
of 
The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries


Alice and Marc in Central Park. 
Together we write as Cleo Coyle. 

Learn more about us here.
Friend us on Facebook here.
Follow us on Twitter here.
Visit our online Coffeehouse here



Cleo is now working
on her next book!

Don't miss her news...


To sign up for Cleo Coyle's
Coffeehouse Mystery Newsletter
and get the latest news on
Cleo's books, 
bonus recipe,
and 
fun giveaways!



--------------------------------------------------------------



ENTER OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY

10-BOOK (+ TOTE BAG) GIVEAWAY!


And you can carry your books in this clever
tote bag with a special crossword puzzle 
featuring Mystery Lovers' Kitchen authors!



To enter our giveaway,
you must first use
the form below.

Then be sure to leave a
blog post comment.

You must do both
to be entered.

-------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------


2-WEEKS OF FAVORITE, RETRO POSTS!


We're throwing a two-week party to celebrate a decade of blogging at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. Every day (through July 13), one of the authors of MLK will post a retro "anniversary" recipe from our blogging past. Stop back each day to see what we post. Each time you leave a comment on a post, you'll earn an extra entry in our drawing and increase your chances of winning our grand prize package. Be sure to use the entry form above to register with our contest *and* be sure to leave a blog post comment. (You must do both to be entered.)


GOOD LUCK and...

HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY,

MYSTERY LOVERS' KITCHEN!

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57 comments:

  1. I just LOVE a good grilled steak!! Happy 10th Anniversary! Can't wait to see what the next 10 years bring on Mystery Lover's Kitchen! bentleyboy22@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! On both the steak and the next 10 years

      Delete
    2. Jamie and Denise - Thank you both for helping us celebrate this milestone of a decade of blogging. Onward to good food and great reading in the years ahead!

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  2. Round Steak you can't beat it...it was my Dad's favorite and he could pound away marinating it. Thank you for the recipe.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marilyn - Yay, for Dad. Pounding meat works wonderfully as a tenderizer (and it's not bad therapy for a frustrating day! :))

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. That's okay, Kim, we're glad you dropped by.

      ~ Cleo

      Delete
  4. Steak grilled and summer are a mix that is appealing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. traveler - Agree. We always enjoy a charcoal-grilled steak. Nothing like it for a summer cookout. So simple, too, just add corn on the cob, a little salad, and a cold drink.

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  5. Oh I love this recipe! My husband and I tried it after I read your book! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank *you*, Faith, for the reader love. Marc and I are thrilled to know that you're reading (and eating) with joy. BTW - We use the "Coffee Gravy" recipe from THROUGH THE GRINDER all the time. It's fantastic on mashed potatoes. Thanks so much for joining our 10th Anniversary celebration!

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  6. Welcome Cleo. Oh this recipe looks wonderful. Thank you for sharing it with us. So cool that you are one of the founding ladies.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lori, for helping us celebrate a decade of blogging. Onward to more good fun, good food, and great reads!

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  7. Loving this anniversary trip! And of course if it says coffee then I'm in. Steaks grilled in a cast iron skillet can be delicious when the weather outside isn't ideal for grilling.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grandma Cootie - Thank you so much for dropping by today, and for all the years you've supported our blog. We love seeing you in our Kitchen!

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      P.S. You're absolutely right about the cast iron pan being a great alternative to the grill. Our amateur sleuth Clare cooked her steak that way in our 2nd Coffeehouse Mystery, THROUGH THE GRINDER, and the pan drippings let her make an awesome Coffee Gravy. (We included that recipe in the book, too.) Cheers for the caffeinated love!

      Delete
  8. I'm not much of a red meat eater but the grilled steaks looks good. I've read all the Coffee House Mysteries (can't wait for the new one) and the Haunted Bookshop ones as well. Great books that you just can't put down!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicki - Aw, you made our day. Marc and I have been writing the Coffeehouse Mysteries for over fifteen years, and we never would have made it this far without the kind support of readers like you. We can't thank you enough for the literary love, and we hope you enjoy our upcoming entry (this Dec.) BREWED AWAKENING. Be sure to keep in touch us and let us know what you think of the new Coffeehouse title! xoxo

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      P.S. We're now writing a brand new Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Jack will back soon with a new case!

      Delete
  9. Cleo, love the title Brewed Awakening. And love this steak recipe. Thanks so much for being part of the team! Hugs. ~ Daryl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Daryl, it's been a wonderful ten years. Marc and I are looking forward to the next ten with you and Krista and our stellar crew (God willing and God bless)! xoxo

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  10. Yum. I love that this is perfect for the grill or when it's too cold outside can bring it in.
    turtle6422 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jana - Absolutely, cookout or cook-in. We love using a cast iron pan, but any good, heavy pan will do. And the great thing about using a pan on the stove is the resulting pan drippings. We shared a recipe for Coffee Gravy in THROUGH THE GRINDER, and it's delicious over mashed potatoes.

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  11. I am sure this smells really great cooking on the grill, but beef and me don't get along. I love the Coffee House Mysteries and have read them all. I am getting started on the Haunted Bookshop as I have just found all the books in that series (I am one that has to start at the beginning). Thank you for a fun series and look forward to more great stories!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelly - Marc and I are delighted to know that you've been enjoying our work. You'll have to tell us what you think of our upcoming Coffeehouse title, BREWED AWAKENING. We're equally thrilled that you've found our Haunted Bookshop series. Jack, our favorite PI ghost, is jazzed about getting a new fan, too. He (and Marc and I) hope you'll keep reading...and keep in touch. Cheers for stopping by today!

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  12. I cook outside on the barie a lot in the summer, love it, looking forward to your new book
    Penney

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penney - Summer is a terrific time to enjoy the great outdoors, and (for us, too) that includes cooking there. :) Thanks for dropping by today. xoxo

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  13. Yum! Love this recipe. We grill out year round
    jwhaley4@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sharon! Coffee and beef make a great combo for marinating and tenderizing.

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  14. Recipe looks amazing. Love the Coffee House Mysteries and The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries.
    Happy 10th Anniversary MLK!
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dianne - Marc and I are grateful for the reader love. Thanks for dropping by the Kitchen today ~ and stay tuned for our new Coffeehouse Mystery entry BREWED AWAKENING, coming this Dec.

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  15. Your BBQ rib recipe using a coffee marinade is fantastic.
    I can only assume the steak version is equally good.

    Here's to ten more years of good books and recipes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libby - Cheers for the mention of our Coffee Ribs (those are a favorite with us, too). And sincerest thanks for the years of support you've shown to Marc and I -- and Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. It is always, always a pleasure to see you in the Kitchen. Here's to ten more years of good food, good friends, and great reads. xoxo

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  16. Steak is one of my favorite things to grill...the recipe sounds delicious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ours, too, Chris. The smell of a juicy, sizzling steak is hard to beat. A little salad, a corn on the cob, an ice cold drink and you've got one delightful (and amazingly simple) summer dinner.

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  17. I am always grateful for hints on how to turn an inexpensive cut of meat into a great meal. Marinades rate high with me and since we are coffee drinkers, I would likely have an easy time getting enough together for the marinade. Good stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for dropping in today, Lil. You're so right about using marinades as a way to tenderize (and bring wonderful flavor) to less expensive cuts. If you're a coffee drinker, you're going to love this recipe. May you eat with joy -- and enjoy your summer!

      ~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
      “Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
      HauntedBookshopMystery.com

      Delete
  18. The recipe sounds great! Thanks! Happy Anniversary! ljbonkoski@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cleo, thanks for reminding me about this flavorful and economical way to grill. Happy Anniversary, and kudos for all your time and effort you put into the blog and your books!
    lola777_22 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy Anniversary! So happy that Jack is back!

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  21. Yum, sounds great! Legallyblonde1961 at yahoo dot com

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  22. I really like steak. I usually make a mushroom sauce but I may have to try this. I've never heard of a coffee marinade- I'm intrigued.
    kozo8989@hotmail.com

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  23. Oh my..I will be printing this steak recipe out to try! I love your coffeehouse mysteries!! My favorite steak seasoning it Texjoy! I have to order because they don't sell it around here!

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  24. Your books sound like series I would like. I am a coffee lover and I like books with ghosts, just not scary, gory. Will check them out. This recipes sounds good too. It is hard to get steak perfect, not overdone or too rare.

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  25. I could almost hear it sizzle! Looks so delicious! I love your coffeehouse and Jack the ghost books!

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  26. never heard of this before

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  27. Looks so yummy! Thank you! Love the books!
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  28. This steak recipe sounds very tasty and has my mouth watering. Thanks for the chance! bernice-kennedy(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  29. I try to keep a plant based diet, but I can devour some Coffeehouse mysteries and probably drink too much coffee. Thank you for keeping part of NYC in my heart and mind whenever I read one of Claire's adventures.

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  30. Though my coffee-hating(!) hubby probably wouldn't try this, it sounds so good to me! Happy 10th Anniversary, MLK!

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  31. I have this book! I need to make this recipe. Unfortunately, left over coffee doesn't happen in my house. Lol. I'll have to make some just for this! Wjcline(at) att (dot) net

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  32. I am a big fan our your and Marc's mysteries! I need to get the latest one!! Love the characters!! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

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  33. What a great way to cook steaks. I'm going to have to try it.
    scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. My husband loves grilled steak. I'll have to try the coffee marinade. bluedawn95864@gmail.com

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  35. recipe sounds good kb0cwz@myomnitel.com

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  36. I tried this over the holiday weekend and everyone raved about it! This recipe is a real keeper.

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  37. I take my steak well done. I like it with garlic butter at restaurants. I love coffee too and will have some later unless I decide to take a nap (coffee when I wake up).

    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

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  38. Can't wait to try this recipe!Thanks for sharing it!
    Happy Anniversary ! Best of success to you all !

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