Thanks for the quick reply! Nope, there's no liquid in the recipe. Drat and darn!

I agree, ground espresso coffee is definitely not instant espresso, and will be grainy in the brownies. I have a jar of instant espresso just to use in baking chocolate goods, I add it to chocolate cakes, brownies, even frosting.

Annie

Thanks, Annie! Do you keep your jar in the pantry or double-wrap freeze it? I'm not sure how often I'll be using it.

I have a small jar in my pantry. It seems to be fine. Espresso powder is often used with chocolate. You could melt the butter and infuse it with the grounds from your tin, then strain it well. Or buy a single hot water brewer pod for a small amount of instant. :)

Glad to hear a small jar does well in a pantry, and thanks for the helpful suggestions, plllog! Thanks!!

I agree, I have a small jar in the pantry and it's maybe a year old. Nearly gone, but it's still fine in my baking, so it lasts a LONG time.

Annie

Good to know, Annie! Thanks!

I keep a small 2 oz jar of instant espresso with my spices, used for an occasional chocolate dessert. Your question inspired me to look at the 'best by' date and it was Feb 2017. I opened the lid, looks and smells fine....not caked and has a fresh coffee scent. Likely will keep it for now, and while I may not make a drink for someone with it (and I never have ;0)) it should be fine for my baking. I cannot remember ever using all of one of those little jars, at some point it will be tossed and replaced.

As long as it stays dry and out of strong light, it should be fine. Moisture would be the biggest culprit, I would think. I keep a jar, like Annie, for baking (espresso meringues are a favorite with DDH and DS's GF), but we also use it in a meat rub, so if you see someone buying more than one jar near the holidays, that could be me. The point being, it is good stuff to have and there seems to be better availability at the grocery stores now -- even one brand that runs about half the price of the original one.

Thanks, more and lascatx, for the additional helpful comments!

Smiles,

Sooz

FWIW, I save those little paper pillows of moisture absorber that come in all kinds of packaging nowadays & put the container of whatever it may be that needs very dry storage (baking powder, seasoning blends, etc,) in another larger airtight container like a jar or tin w/ them. It really helps keep them dry. To be clear: I do not let the pillows come in contact w/ food items.

I used to keep a jar of instant espresso in my freezer just to add to brownies. When I finally used it all up, I switched to Starbucks VIA instant. It comes in little single serving packets, so it doesn't get stale and wouldn't need refrigeration. I bought one package at my local grocery store and am still working my way through the individual packets.

Thanks for the additional info and suggestions, Carol and Shambo! Much appreciated!