Java Grilled Chicken

I am experimenting with coffee rubs. I saw an espresso spice rub at my spice store, but it had sugar in it. This one is made with coffee because that is what I had. I was afraid it would be too strongly flavored, but it is not. The pepper really comes through, but the coffee is more subtle. Just a hint of bitter, and not bad, actually. I think I will try this rub again on beef, and let it marinate longer before cooking. I was hungry tonight, so I didn't wait.

Java Rub

1 Tablespoon ground coffee, dry
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Today is my youngest son's birthday. We celebrated his 17th with family friends for pizza. Of course, we had salad instead, but it was just as fun---almost!

Because a lunch of salad doesn't hold you all day, a bigger dinner than is the norm was due for tonight. I didn't have the time to do a full prep day with our schedule change, so I came up with this. I keep some chicken in the freezer, ready to be thawed and grilled quickly. So, I seasoned the chicken, and threw some sliced grape tomatoes in the pan with it. Just for fun, I sprinkled some of the Java Rub on them too. I liked it. Of course, if you are not a fan of coffee, this probably isn't the dish for you. I do like playing around with different flavorings, so it was fun for me. John is an avowed coffee hater, so I left him to grill a ground steak for himself. He obliged to be spared the coffee. Go figure!