Affogato al Caffe literally means drowned in coffee. This Italian combination of vanilla gelato and a shot of espresso is a quick and easy dessert that will satisfy your guests sweet tooth as well as their caffeine fix.
You may use the recipe as a guide line but feel free to add more gelato (or different flavors) and coffee as you desire.
Enjoyed for years (long before the coffee drinks of Starbucks’s), this Italian creation is always a huge hit at dinner parties! You might also like Handmade Cappuccino
Ingredients:
- 1-pint vanilla gelato
- 4 shots espresso
Optional: Maybe … maybe not!
- Whipped cream
- Shaved dark chocolate
Place two small scoops of gelato in dessert bowls, glasses or cups. I use cappuccino cups with saucers.
Pour a hot espresso, about 2 ounces, over gelato in each serving dish. If you don’t have an espresso machine you can use your favorite coffee, just brew it extra strong. Instant espresso powder may be used. Follow instructions on container.
Wait for it …
Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and if using vanilla gelato, a vanilla bean is a nice touch.
The traditional recipe calls for vanilla gelato which I think complements the coffee. You could use chocolate or any other flavor you like.
