Affo-what, you ask? A look at a simple and easy recipe that brings together two Italian specialties to create one buzz-worthy summertime treat.

With summer now in full swing here in the US, many of us turn to ice cream treats and other cold concoctions to help us beat the heat. If you’re an espresso lover, there’s no reason to abandon your favorite drink just because the temperature outside matches the temperature in your cup. One great way to cool down and caffienate at the same time is with the Italian classic, affogato.

An affogato is any dessert or drink topped with espresso. The word literally means ‘to drown’ in Italian and you can think of it as a caffienated alamode. While you can make any dessert into an affogato, the version I have in mind requires the super creamy Italian version of ice cream, fresh gelato.

Just imagine smooth, decadent gelato topped off with a freshly poured shot of espresso. The combination produced a slightly melted ice cream with that delightful mixture of hot and cold, bitter and sweet. Are you with me or are you drooling yet?

If you look around, I’m sure you can find a café or gelato shop in your neck of the woods (such as this one in Austin that creates yummy-sounding treats out of Rose and Chocolate Vanilla Lavender gelato) that will serve up a proper affogato al caffe or you can make it home with this quick and easy recipe.

If you have ice cream, you can have affogato

I’m borrowing this one from the perpetually gorgeous Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis, but it’s as easy of a recipe as you’ll ever come across for this dish. Giada’s got you combining espresso powder and boiling water to pull it off, but feel free to substitute four shots from your own espresso maker.

You’ll need:
1/3 cup cold whipping cream
½ cup boiling water
1 tablespoon espresso powder
1 pint of ice cream or chocolate gelato

Use an electric mixer to beat the whipping cream until peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Whisk together the espresso powder and boiling water in a one-cup, glass measuring cup until the powder fully dissolves. Spoon ½ a cup of gelato each into four small bowls. Next, pour one shot of espresso or 2 tablespoons of the espresso powder mixture over each. Top off with the fresh whipped cream and serve immediately.

This dish is a lovely way to show your devotion to all things espresso at your next summer get together. It may seem a little high brow for your upcoming Fourth of July picnic, but if you’re an Italian American, what better way is there to celebrate freedom and your family heritage at the same time? Those of us who aren’t Italian certainly won’t mind!

No Comments »