Grilled Coffee-Chili Rubbed Beer Can Chicken

dad-worthy dinner...

As I mentioned, for this series I'll be posting "dad-worthy" recipes featuring coffee. It's pretty awesome how many different ways you can use it. For this recipe I'm using it like a spice and rubbing it on a small whole chicken. But, I'm not stopping there, no sir! I'm grilling it as well over top of a can of beer. I'm not sure this recipe can get more manly!

Inspiration for the spice rub came from Cincinnati Chili. If you're not familiar, it's a mixture of chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon and/or allspice, and a few other spices. It's a very odd combination, but distinctly known in the Cincinnati area. It also just happens to be one of my dad's favorite foods. As a side note, one piece of special equipment is needed for this recipe - a beer can chicken stand. I found mine at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for just five bucks (Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Chick CAN Cooking Rack)...thank you 20% off infamous discount coupon. Other than that, this recipe just takes some time to cook, but it's quite easy. So, if you are hanging pool side, having a party, or just want to impress Dad, make this recipe. Here's how...

Ingredients - Serves 4
Coffee-Chili Rub
2 T Fresh Ground Coffee
2 T Ancho Chile Powder
1 T Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 T Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 T Onion Powder
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp. Ground Cayenne (optional)

Beer Can Chicken
3-4 lb. Roasting Chicken
1-2 T Olive Oil
1/2 T Kosher Salt
~3 T Coffee-Chili Rub
1 Can Nut Brown Ale (suggest Jackie O's Chomolungma)
Special Equipment: Beer Can Chicken Stand

Directions
Preheat a charcoal grill to 325 degrees. The chicken should be cooked over indirect heat. So, make sure to put all of the hot coals on one side of the grill. Also, make sure you can shut your grill with the chicken on the stand. It'll be about a foot tall.

Make the spice rub: In a small bowl combine the ground coffee, chili powder, cocoa powder, sugar, onion powder, salt, cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne. Whisk together and set aside. NOTE: This will make more than you will need. Store the extra in a sealed container in a dry place.

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Coat with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and then rub with the spice mixture (about 3 T). Be sure to season and rub the chicken on both the inside and out. Following the directions on the beer stand package, pour out half the can of beer, and reserve for another use (i.e. drinking). Then put the can into the stand and carefully place the chicken on top.

Cook the chicken: Grill over indirect heat at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer placed in a thigh reads 165 degrees. Rotate the chicken to ensure even cooking.

Rest, carve, and serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the entire rack to a rimmed baking sheet, and rest for 10 minutes. Then, using tongs, remove the chicken from the stand and place on a cutting board, discard the beer once cooled. Carve the chicken and serve with more beer and your Dad's favorite sides. Enjoy!

Green Beer

luck of the Irish...

It's St. Patrick's Day and many have been celebrating since early this morning. Ah, it reminds me of my college days at Miami. Up until a few years ago we never had the chance to celebrate St. Patty's Day because our spring break always fell on that week. So, what did we do? We celebrated the Thursday before and dubbed the day Green Beer Day. It's Miami's version of today's celebration...oh, excuse me...I have to say it's Oxford, OH's version of St. Patrick's Day.

Well, as the years have passed Miami officials have tried to stop Green Beer Day by moving spring break after the St. Patrick's Day holiday. So far, it hasn't stopped the tradition of celebrating green beer on the Thursday prior to spring break. I hope it never does! This Thursday is Green Beer Day at Miami and today is St. Patty's day. So, whenever and whatever you celebrate, just drink Green Beer. Here's how to make it...

Ingredients - Serves 2
3 Light Lager Beers
Green Food Coloring
2 Large Mugs to Serve

Directions
Add 4-6 drops of green food coloring into the bottom of one of the large mugs. Tilt and pour in one and a half beers (or too the top). Repeat. Cheers. Drink!

I'll leave you with an old Irish Blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.