Affogato - the pleasure of espresso with ice cream

Dessert history

There is no confirmed information about who and when first came up with the idea of ​​combining ice cream and strong espresso in one container. But absolutely everyone agrees that this dessert first saw the light of day in sunny Italy. The fact is that the afternoon heat of southern countries and the frequent drop in blood sugar levels by the middle of the day become an undeniable reason to consume something sweet and invigorating at the same time. It is Affrogato that copes with this task perfectly, replenishing the body’s energy.

In Italy, it is customary to enjoy a fragrant and invigorating dessert after dinner or instead of it.

The Italian word Affogato translated means “to drown” or “drowned”. And no matter how unpleasant it may sound, a ball of ice cream, immersed in a noble drink, really sinks, dissolving in a delicious sauce. Some connoisseurs additionally add liqueur to this delicious combination.

What is coffee affogato?

This is not actually a drink, but a dessert made from ice cream and hot espresso, with the addition of liqueur or other strong alcohol. Translated from Italian, affogato means “drowned.” It doesn't sound very appetizing, but it accurately reflects the preparation technology: a scoop of ice cream is literally poured into the drink.

The leading batch in this flavor duet belongs not to coffee, but to ice cream; it is this that gives the main taste to the coffee delicacy. In the classic version we are talking about vanilla ice cream, but you can take chocolate, nut, pistachio or cream, it all depends on your taste preferences. The main thing is that it should be sufficiently fatty and made from natural ingredients. You can use fruit or berry, but these flavors are more for the amateur.

The requirements for coffee are very simple: it must be hot and strong. You can prepare it in any convenient way. The only thing you need to remember to do is strain it if it was prepared in a Turk or simply brewed in a cup. Not to be confused with the recipe for a coffee drink - iced glass.

To decorate the dessert and “arrange” the taste in the affogato, add:

• chopped nuts;
• grated or melted chocolate;
• fruit and berry jellies;
• cookie or biscuit crumbs;
• Brown sugar;
• fresh berries or pieces of fruit.

There are ample opportunities for creativity and experimentation here.

The last ingredient added to the dessert is liqueur, cognac, rum or brandy. You can serve them separately so that everyone can add the right amount for themselves. According to general recommendations: you should add Baileys to vanilla ice cream, cognac or rum to chocolate ice cream, and Amaretto goes well with nut dessert .

When preparing treats for children, exclude alcohol, and it is reasonable to replace coffee with cocoa. The result, of course, will not be affogato in its pure form, but it will be very tasty and the children will love it.

Selection of components

One of the main components of affogato is strong espresso, which must be prepared in one or two servings. Double dosage is used to create Macaffogato. If you prepare dessert at home, any type of natural aromatic drink brewed in a geyser coffee maker, French press or pour over will do.

It is necessary to strictly ensure that even grains of ground product do not get into the liquid part of the dessert, so it is better to further purify the Turkish composition by filtration.

You should not select single-origin coffee for preparation, the cost of which is often unreasonably high, since toppings and ice cream will hide all their flavor nuances. But an affogato made from 100% Arabica coffee will turn out extremely tender and soft. For lovers of strength, it is recommended to use mixtures containing the addition of Robusta varieties (not higher than 50%).

The degree of grinding of the raw materials is adjusted depending on the preparation method, but you should not bring the coffee beans to dust.

When creating this amazing dessert, you should give preference to coffee beans with a light (medium) degree of heat treatment. If the stage is too light, the dessert will lose its special coffee taste. But strong roasting will not sound in unison with ice cream. It is better to use bottled water to brew coffee.

Be sure to read: Technology for making Cappuccino in a coffee shop

Dessert affogato

• Espresso is a traditional ingredient in affogato, but it is not necessary. You can replace it with the simplest strong coffee you can make. Use a French press or drip coffee maker to achieve a magical aroma.
• For the best affogato, use real vanilla ice cream. The vanilla flavor will be more intense and natural - an ideal combination for coffee.

See also: Recipes for pepper tinctures: methods of use and beneficial properties

Characteristics of affogato

Dessert preparation methods

First of all, you need to take care of cooling the container in which the amazing dessert will be placed. And the filling of the sweet dish itself usually occurs as follows:

1. Place one portion of ice cream in a container and pour a hot aromatic drink over it. The bowl or glass must be resistant to elevated temperatures. With this method, it is permissible to leave the ice cream both hard and soft. But the second option is still preferable.
2. The second method involves creating a small indentation inside the ice cream. Next, black coffee is carefully poured into it. A small part of the drink will definitely splash out into the container, flowing down the outer surface of the ball. This method creates a spectacular flavor tandem of creamy coffee sauce and melted ice cream. In addition, a peculiar variation of the look inside it will be obtained. This method does not involve the use of heat-resistant cookware.

How to easily understand the coffee menu

Espresso

This is the basis. A drink in which hot water under high pressure is passed through a filter with ground coffee. Dozens of other coffee drinks are prepared based on espresso.

Doppio

Double shot of espresso. Above-average coffee shops offer this drink as espresso or double espresso, and the “doppio” item itself is often absent from the menu.

Ristretto

Coffee for those who like it stronger. The same espresso, but smaller and stronger. Cappuccino is often prepared on the basis of ristretto. In this case, the cappuccino turns out milkier and less strong.

Lungo

Lungo is an espresso that takes longer to pour and takes longer to prepare. It has a less intense but more bitter taste. This drink is liked mainly by people who are used to drinking instant coffee at home. By making cappuccino based on lungo, you get a stronger cappuccino, more like 3 in 1 coffee.

Americano

Americano is made from one or two shots of espresso to which hot water is added. Additionally, you can add spices to it, such as cinnamon or star anise.

Cappuccino

Espresso with hot milk, the top layer of which is whipped into a smooth, glossy foam. Cappuccino is usually drunk without sugar; it is tasty due to the natural sweetness of the milk and the sweetness of the coffee foam.

Latte

There are some differences in the recipes, but the essence remains the same: latte - coffee with milk. The main difference between this drink and cappuccino is that when making a latte, espresso is added to the milk, and not vice versa. If you are interested in the proportions in which espresso is mixed with milk and milk foam, ask the barista: many coffee makers have their own opinion on this matter. Just remember to pronounce the name of the drink correctly: the emphasis in the word “latte” falls on the first syllable.

Rough coffee

A drink consisting of espresso, cream (not whipped, but liquid) and vanilla sugar. In addition to the classic vanilla flavor, coffee shops can offer citrus, lavender or, for example, berry. By experimenting with different syrups you can find your perfect coffee.

Flat white

The flat white is prepared with a double shot of espresso. Then a slightly smaller volume of milk is added to it than for cappuccino.

Moccaccino (mocha)

A type of latte that includes an additional ingredient - chocolate (in the form of cocoa powder, syrup or hot chocolate). The most delicious mocha made with natural milk chocolate.

Macchiato

Macchiato - espresso with a circle of milk foam. The milk is not poured in, the foam is carefully spooned out to form a white circle with a brown espresso edge.

Cortado

A coffee-milk drink with a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk. Baked milk is sometimes used. Then the taste is softer and creamier.

Piccolo

Miniature version of cappuccino. To make piccolo, you need to make espresso, shake it and add milk.

Con panna

Espresso or doppio topped with whipped cream. Whipped cream should ideally be regular cream with more than 33% fat content.

Glasse (affogato)

The best summer coffee drink. Coffee with ice cream. Glace and affogato may differ slightly in the method of preparation: affogato uses espresso, which is poured over ice cream, and the glace recipe is not so strict in the choice of coffee base and the order of adding ingredients to the drink.

Viennese coffee

Recipes may differ slightly, but the basic principle is the same: Viennese coffee is coffee and whipped cream.

American style coffee (filter coffee)

A drink made by simply pouring water through coffee (as opposed to an Americano, where water is simply added to the drink). Prepared in a drip coffee machine.

Coffee with cocoa

The ingredients and method of preparation are clear from the name of the drink. Proportions may vary.

Turkish coffee

This type of coffee is brewed in a Turkish coffee pot. Many people prefer this particular brewing method, refusing drinks prepared using a coffee machine.

Irish coffee

Coffee, cream, brown sugar and Irish whiskey.

Frappe

Frappe coffee is prepared using a shaker or mixer based on one or two shots of espresso, sugar and a small amount of water, which are whipped until foamy. The drink is served in a glass glass with the addition of cold water, ice and milk.

Thai coffee (Vietnamese coffee)

A cold coffee-milk drink is prepared as follows: add condensed milk and coffee to a glass with ice, then pour in milk or whipped cream.

Cold brew

A coffee drink that is prepared by dripping cold water through a layer of coffee or steeping ground coffee in non-hot water for a long time. However, preparation methods may vary: some brew cold brew hot and then cool it sharply.

Nitro coffee

Nitro coffee is not so much a type of coffee drink as it is a method of preparation that makes the coffee carbonated. Typically, nitro coffee is a carbonated version of cold brew.

Classic affogato recipe

When preparing a classic version of dessert, there is no room for experimentation. Therefore, all components are selected strictly and in precise dosages.

Ingredients:

• 50 g ice cream;
• 50 ml strong coffee;
• chocolate topping or grated dark chocolate.

Cooking method:

1. The first step is brewing coffee, which, if necessary, is carefully filtered to remove the resulting suspension.
2. Next, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the bottom of the cooled container and pour coffee over it in accordance with the chosen method.
3. The dessert is topped with topping or grated chocolate.

Be sure to read: Recipe for warming and piquant coffee with cognac

If desired, you can decorate the serving with fresh or canned berries and fruits.

An alcoholic version of the classic affogato is also known. It is distinguished by the fact that 15 ml of rum or cognac is first poured into the bottom of the bowl or glass.

How to make affogato

To prepare affogato you need the following ingredients:

• Ice cream
• Espresso (or strong coffee)
• Flavored liqueur or port (optional)

Traditionally, the Italian miracle was served only with ice cream and espresso. However, at some point, someone decided it would be fun to add some alcohol to this delicious coffee dessert. Of course, this is completely optional.

Additional modifications to this espresso ice cream recipe include using different ice cream flavors. Why not try chocolate? Caramel? Coffee flavored ice cream?

Maybe experiment with toppings - chopped hazelnuts or dark chocolate on top, etc.

Affogato with coffee jelly

The aromatic dessert is replete with recipe variations. You can replace the drink with jelly and get a new, interesting taste.

Ingredients:

• 200 ml coffee for jelly;
• 50 ml coffee for pouring;
• 5 g gelatin;
• 100 g ice cream;
• 3 tsp. sugar for jelly;
• additives to taste.

Step by step recipe:

1. Gelatin is soaked in cold water according to the instructions on the package.
2. Brew and strain coffee for jelly.
3. Dissolve sugar in the drink.
4. Then the swollen gelatin is mixed with coffee.
5. Pour the resulting composition into the mold and place it in the refrigerator for several hours.
6. The resulting jelly is cut into cubes.
7. Place ice cream in a chilled glass and surround it with jelly.
8. Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup.
9. Prepare coffee for pouring and send it to the ice cream strictly in the center of the ball.
10. Decorate the dessert with almond flakes.

Fruit jelly can be a good substitute for coffee jelly.

How to serve and drink affogato

The most suitable container for serving affogato is dessert ceramic bowls with thick walls. Wide glass glasses are also good for this purpose. Cups are occasionally used. A spoon is served with dessert.

A straw and sugar bowl are not needed to serve affogato.

This dessert can in no way be called childish, since the caffeine content in it is the same as in a shot of espresso. If you still want to treat your child, then when preparing about 5 ml of coffee you need to additionally dilute it with hot water. In this case, alcohol is completely excluded.

The dessert is served immediately after preparation, since the ice cream will begin to melt quickly and the taste will deteriorate. To adjust the desired amount of alcohol in the dessert, you can serve alcohol in a separate glass.