I have a possible answer to the espresso tasting question. Last Tuesday a friend made some brownies, cream cheese frosting and Heath Bar chips on top for a get together. I got to take some home and the next day I couldn't figure out why it tasted like coffee. Yes, I found out she did put espresso in the brownies. I think most people really can't taste the espresso, but I'm one of the ones that can taste phenylthiocarbamide. Check it out on Wikipedia. I used to use this test in my 6th grade science classes. Two or three, including me, could taste it in each class. I never drink coffee or wine, though sometimes tea. Any wine tastes too bitter for me to like after 3 small sips. I'll look forward to making and enjoying these brownies, without the espresso. For me the espresso pushes all the other flavors aside and stands right up and says, "Here I am, taste me." For me, it's not as bad as drinking or smelling coffee, but the flavor is there. My bet is that I'm in a VERY small minority here. Thank you for this insight about our sense of taste. Some among us are considered "super tasters" who can distinguish the slightest variations in ingredients. As with any recipe, we can adjust it to our personal taste - in your case leaving out the espresso powder with this or future recipes that may call for it now that you know it is a culprit in your enjoyment of food and beverage! Irene at KAF

• Reply