Vanilla Bean Affogato

Name: Vanilla Bean Affogato
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 glasses
Ingredients: 8 scoops good vanilla ice cream; 0.5 cup hot freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee (120 ml); 0.25 cup amaretto, optional (60 ml); dark chocolate shavings or toasted sliced almonds

Affogato means 'drowned' in Italian, and it is the quickest dessert in the world: two scoops of cold ice cream, a shot of hot coffee, done. The amaretto turns it into a nightcap. Pour the espresso at the table so the first few seconds are a show.

4 glassesYield

EasyDifficulty

What you'll need

8 scoops good vanilla ice cream
0.5 cup hot freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee (120 ml)
0.25 cup amaretto, optional (60 ml)
dark chocolate shavings or toasted sliced almonds

How to make it

Put two scoops of ice cream into each of four small glasses and return them to the freezer until needed.
At the table, pour 2 tablespoons of espresso over each, then the amaretto if using.
Top with chocolate shavings and serve with a spoon.
Glass: Small glasses or cups. Garnish: Shaved dark chocolate or toasted almonds.

Chef's secrets

Decaf espresso is fine for an evening meal.

Vanilla bean ice cream, rather than plain, makes a difference.

Good to know

Make ahead

Scoop the ice cream and freeze the glasses an hour ahead.