The Italian coffee culture is renowned the world over, and for many is the epitome of cool sophistication. When it's not being downed in a coffee bar in the time honoured tradition, coffee is used as an ingredient in a number of classic Italian dishes including affogato and tiramisu – the latter with plenty of alcohol, coffee's longtime collaborator.

This collection of coffee recipes contains plenty of inspiration for delicious desserts – and slightly more unusual dinner party ideas, too. Daniele Usai's Coffee and hazelnut chocolate dessert recipe showcases three perfectly matched ingredients, while Mauro Uliassi's Molasses cookie recipe pairs salted caramel with a dark chocolate and coffee ice cream. Don't limit your use of coffee strictly to desserts, either – the Costardi Brothers' Parmesan risotto recipe is garnished with a dusting of bitter coffee and a drizzle of lager reduction.