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Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Amateur cook Beverly Behasa's recipe for Kona Coffee
Gravy Beef Stew scooped the first prize in a contest that
was also open to professional cooks.

Beef stew takes
first place in Kona
coffee recipe contest

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Star-Bulletin staff

A beef stew steeped in Kona coffee gravy took the top prize at the Kona Coffee Recipe Contest last weekend during the Kona Coffee Festival on the Big Island.

The entrée category was the only one open to both professionals and non-professionals. Beverly Behasa, an amateur cook, bested the professionals to take the top award -- which amounted to cash prizes; gift certificates to KTA Super Stores, the event sponsor; and a trip to Molokai Ranch. Behasa also won the beverage category, leaving only the dessert category to someone else (Peggy Paglinawan, for a complicated Kona Coffee Chocolate Torte).

Behasa's recipes follow. For Paglinawan's recipe, go to the Web site, http://www.konacoffeefest.com

Kona Coffee Gravy Beef Stew

2-1/2 pounds beef, in 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
3 cups strong brewed Kona coffee
1 cup water
1 cup finely chopped onion
2/3 cups dry red wine
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups peeled, cubed potatoes
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons capers

Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper. Heat pan over medium-high heat.

Brown beef; add Kona coffee and next four ingredients. Bring to a boil and cover. Lower heat and simmer about 45 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat. Simmer 20-25 minutes. Serve over rice, with bread, or alone.

Kona Coffee Land Dream Cream

2/3 cup brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons instant Kona coffee blend, freeze-dried
2 cups 100 percent Kona coffee, brewed
4 cups milk
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 pint whipping cream

Combine ingredients, chill well and serve. Try it over ice cream or as an addition to your coffee as a sweetener and creamer.

Nutritional information unavailable.

Best in beans More than 50 farms competed in the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition recognizing the best Kona coffee beans. The competition is part of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. The winners: First place: The Other Farm, operated by Rae Young and Kraig Lee Second place: Ahiwai Farms, operated by Drew Furness Third place: Puakalehua Homestead, operated by Mary Prevetz

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