Pantry hacks: Instant coffee

Chilled coffee & vanilla milk

Serves 2

Combine 500ml (2 cups) boiling water with 15ml (1 tbsp) instant coffee and pour into ice trays to freeze overnight. Combine 300ml milk with the seeds of 2 vanilla pods and a little sugar to taste, if desired. Pile 2 glasses with coffee ice cubes and pour over the vanilla milk. Serve immediately instead of your hot, morning cappuccino.

Affogato

Serves 1

An affogato is perfect as a simple and sweet end to a summer lunch. For 1 affogato, combine 7,5ml (1½ tsp) instant coffee with 40ml boiling water and serve alongside 2 scoops vanilla ice cream in a glass. Allow your guests to pour their espressos over their scoops of ice cream.

Chill & coffee-rubbed steak

Serves 2

To make an intense and delicious rub for your next steak, combine 15ml (1 tbsp) instant coffee with 1 seeded and finely chopped red chilli. Add a small handful thyme leaves and 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and rub all over 2 steaks. Grill your steaks in a smoking hot pan or over hot coals until done to your liking. Season well and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.