AFFOGATO
L'affogato al caffè, a dessert of gelato drowned in espresso, is "one of Italy's most delectable modern dishes," writes Anna Del Conte in her "Gastronomy of Italy." The ice cream can be fior di latte, vanilla or chocolate, or whatever you like. Dulce de leche, with its caramelized milkiness, would be wonderful, as would cherry amaretto. The magic of affogato is that you get two pleasures in one: a spoonable dessert sauced with coffee, and a cream-blushed drink to chase it. The sweet ice cream and bitter coffee should enhance, not overtake each other. Like the best partners, they should meet in the middle.
Provided by Eric Kim
Categories dessert
Time 5m
Yield 1 serving
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Make the espresso first so it can sit while you scoop the gelato. If you don't have a moka pot or an espresso machine, run to the nearest coffee shop.
- Add the very cold gelato to a small shallow bowl or glass that's been chilled in the freezer until frosty and cold to the touch.
- Slowly pour the hot espresso in a thin stream directly over the gelato, draping the entire surface of the scoop with an even layer of coffee. You can add a splash of amaretto here if you'd like (the almond flavor would be welcome), but the best affogato is a simple affogato. Just be sure to start eating it before the gelato completely melts: In each bite, you want solid spoonfuls of the gelato thinly draped in coffee.
AFFOGATO AL CAFFè
Provided by Mario Batali
Categories Coffee Milk/Cream Dairy Egg Dessert Freeze/Chill Fall Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a 3-quart saucepan bring the milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and add the espresso.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the yolks until pale yellow. Gradually add the sugar and beat until light yellow ribbons form when the beaters are lifted. Stir in half of the hot milk, then stir in the remaining milk. Cook over low heat without boiling until the mixture coats the back of a spoon thickly and sets slightly, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and chill for 1/2 hour.
- Whip 1 1/2 cups of the cream to stiff peaks and fold into the custard mixture. Transfer to an ice cream machine and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. (The semifreddo can be made up to 2 weeks in advance).
- Whip the remaining 1/2 cup cream to soft peaks. Place 1 scoop of semifreddo in each of eight tall glasses. Pour 1 cup of cooled coffee over each scoop, dollop with whipped cream, and dust with cocoa.
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Affogato al Caffè Recipes: The Italian Dessert Everyone is Talking About
If you've never heard of Affogato al Caffè, you're missing out on one of Italy's most beloved desserts. Translated into English as "drowned coffee," Affogato is essentially a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream "drowned" in a shot of hot espresso. The creaminess of the gelato and the bitterness of the espresso complement each other perfectly, making for a simple yet delectable dessert that's always a crowd-pleaser.
The Origins Of Affogato al Caffè
The origins of Affogato al Caffè date back to the 20th century in Italy, when the first cafes started to open up in the country. Word has it that a creative barista came up with the idea of pouring hot espresso over cold gelato or ice cream, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Affogato al Caffè can be found in every corner cafe and gelateria in Italy and has become a staple on dessert menus worldwide.
Variations Of Affogato al Caffè
While the classic Affogato al Caffè recipe calls for vanilla gelato and a shot of espresso, the possibilities for variations are endless. Some people prefer to use different flavors of gelato, such as chocolate or hazelnut, while others like to add a dash of amaretto liqueur or sprinkle cocoa powder on top. Some even go so far as to add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make their Affogato extra decadent.
Serving Suggestions
Affogato al Caffè is typically served as a dessert or after-dinner treat in Italy, but there's no reason you can't enjoy it any time of day. It's the perfect pick-me-up for a mid-morning coffee break or an indulgent afternoon snack. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Affogato al Caffè Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop vanilla gelato or ice cream
- 1 shot of hot espresso
Instructions:
- Scoop vanilla gelato into a small serving dish or cup.
- Prepare a shot of hot espresso and pour it over the gelato.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
That's it! In under five minutes, you can have a delicious Italian dessert that's sure to impress.
Conclusion
Affogato al Caffè may be a simple dessert, but it's one that has stood the test of time. Its popularity has only grown over the years, and for good reason. With its perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors, it's a dessert that's hard to resist. Give it a try the next time you're in the mood for something special, and discover for yourself what all the fuss is about.