Java-rubbed Chicken with Garlicky asparagus

I saw the recipe for this chicken rub in last week's Tribune Good Eating section.  I saw the word java and knew I had to keep reading.  This rub is a good balance of a little sweet and a little spicy.  It is a tiny bit too salty for me, so next time I will reduce the amount of salt, but other than that this is a definite keeper. This paired well with some fresh, lemony asparagus and a hearty slice of bread.  A perfectly light and satisfying spring meal.

Java-Rub Chicken
***Recipe from the Chicago Tribune Good Eating Section
6 Tablespoons ground coffee
2 Tablespoons each: brown sugar, sweet paprika, coarse salt
2 teaspoons each: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper
1 tsp each: ground cumin, ground coriander, unsweetened cocoa powder
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Prepare a grill for medium heat.  Combine the coffee, brown sugar, spices, and cocoa in a mixing bowl.  Stir to mix. 
Rub the chicken on all sides with the java mixture.  Place the chicken on the grill and cook until heated through.  5-7 minutes per side. 

I could tell that I was going to have extra of the rub, so instead of coating my chicken in the bowl, I spooned the rub out onto the chicken.  This way I was able to save the extra and use it again later.  This is probably not that novel of an idea, but it is worth mentioning so that you are not throwing these wonderful ingredients away for no reason!

Asparagus

This is very simple to throw together and it pairs great with most grilled meat
1 bunch of asparagus, cut up into smallish pieces with the tough ends removed
drizzle of lemon juice
3 cloves of garlic VERY thinly sliced
Put your cut-up asparagus into a bowl.  Drizzle with enough lemon juice to coat.  Stir in garlic.  Put the asparagus mixture onto a heavy duty sheet (or two normal sheets) of aluminum foil.  wrap it up nice and tight and place this right on the grill next your chicken (or whatever else you are grilling).  Let this cook for 10-15 minutes.  The asparagus will get nice and soft, and the garlic will produce a smooth, sweet flavor. This is a perfect way to celebrate Spring!