Drowned in Coffee. Affogato: The Elixir of the Gods

Summer is here. Hot. Hot. Hot! Did we say Hot! But never fear. We have the perfect antidote to summer heat: Coffee and Ice Cream. Better know as Affogato, the Elixir of the Gods. And it couldn't be more simple to make.

An affogato is a traditional Italian espresso-based treat that you’ll find on the menu at many Italian restaurants, as well as at many cafes serving espresso and other coffee drinks. The full name is affogato al cafe or “drowned in coffee,” in Italian. The name really suits the dessert, as it consists of a scoop of ice cream or gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over the top. How could it be more simple than that. And the taste. Exquisite.

The basic recipe is subject to an almost infinite number of variations. Using different coffee drinks, different ice cream flavors and different ratios of the two items. But true affogato is made with espresso. Don't have an espresso machine? You can make affogato at home with your favorite coffee, just brew it extra strong so you only need to pour a small amount over the ice cream. Start with vanilla, as it really suits the coffee, but feel free to experiment with chocolate or coffee-flavored ice cream, as well! Our preference is for peanut butter chocolate.

Of course for the best affogato, start with the best ingredients, particularly the best 100% Arabica parrot friendly organic shade grown fair trade coffee from CoffeeParrot.Coffee. You read that right. Coffee Parrot Dot Coffee.

Bon Appétit!