Out of the mug and into the mixing bowl

Think instant coffee belongs on an episode of Mad Men or in your grandmother’s cabinet? Think again! Instant coffee and instant espresso crystals can be the secret ingredient for baking and cooking. Baked desserts, especially very sweet ones, benefit from coffee’s slightly bitter counterbalance. And savory dishes such as beef stews, chili, soups and sauces get extra depth with a tablespoon of instant coffee and hot water blended in.

Instant coffee has come a long way. From Nescafe to Medaglia d’Oro, Maxwell House to Starbucks, not only have the flavors gotten better, but recent improvements have made the textures more soluble for drinking and mixing into favorite recipes.