Affogato is a classic Italian dessert that combines the richness of gelato or ice cream with the bold flavor of espresso. The word “affogato” means “drowned” in Italian, which perfectly describes the way the dessert is made by “drowning” the ice cream in hot espresso. Here’s a simple recipe to make affogato:

Affogato Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-2 scoops of vanilla gelato or ice cream (you can also use other flavors like chocolate or hazelnut)
• 1 shot (about 1 ounce) of hot espresso (or strong brewed coffee)

Optional Toppings:

• Shaved chocolate
• Crushed biscotti or amaretti cookies
• A splash of liqueur (such as Amaretto, Frangelico, or Kahlúa)
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso:
   • Brew a fresh shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop espresso maker or a strong brewed coffee as an alternative.
2. Scoop the Gelato/Ice Cream:
   • Place 1-2 scoops of gelato or ice cream into a small serving glass or bowl.
3. Pour the Espresso:
   • Immediately pour the hot espresso over the gelato or ice cream.
4. Add Toppings (Optional):
   • If desired, add any optional toppings such as shaved chocolate, crushed cookies, a splash of liqueur, or a dollop of whipped cream.
5. Serve Immediately:
   • Serve the affogato immediately while the gelato or ice cream is still cold and the espresso is hot.

Enjoy your delicious affogato, a delightful combination of creamy and coffee flavors!