Coffee-spiked Pork Satay

These are a unique yet simple appetizer for get-togethers or a light lunch or dinner - pork skewers with a simple coffee-spiked peanut sauce. It's not the first pork skewers I have on here, and it probably won't be the last, but what can I say, I dig meat on a stick. I know the dipping sauce sounds a little strange -- coffee and peanut butter, really? -- but it’s a surprisingly nice flavor combination, and if you have a little leftover coffee from the morning, this will all come together super quickly. And after all the work of the holidays, or if you're planning a New Year's shindig, wouldn't we all love something simple and quick?

I know I'm really pulling from a variety of influences here, but don't skip the garam masala. I find the combo of spices is just right to give it a real depth of complimentary flavor to peanut sauce. If you don't have any on hand, try adding just a pinch of coriander, cinnamon and black pepper.

Coffee Spiked Pork Satay

1 lb lean pork, thinly sliced into strips (such as loin or tenderloin)
2 tsp garam masala, divided
1/4 cup dark soy sauce, divided
1/2 cup peanut butter, divided
3 TB brown sugar
1/3 - 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
skewers, soaked if wooden

In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp garam masala with 2 TB dark soy, and 2 TB peanut butter. Rub into pork and marinate 1 hour in the fridge.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the remaining garam masala, soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, and enough coffee to thin to make a dipping sauce. Set aside.

Thread the pork on skewers. Broil on the highest and closest setting about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned and cooked all the way through. Serve with dipping sauce on the side.

Serves 8 as an appetizer or 4 as a main course.