Affogato facts for kids
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| Type | Beverage |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Gelato or ice cream (vanilla), espresso |
An affogato /ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːtəʊ/, /ˌæfəˈɡɑːtəʊ/ or more traditionally known as "affogato al caffe" (Italian for "drowned in coffee") is an Italian coffee-based dessert. It usually takes the form of a scoop of plain milk-flavored (fior di latte) or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso. Some variations also include a shot of amaretto, Bicerin, Kahlua, or other liqueur.
Variety of Affogato
Though restaurants and cafes in Italy categorize the affogato as a dessert, some restaurants and cafes outside of Italy categorize it as a beverage. Whether a dessert or beverage, restaurants and cafes usually serve the affogato in a tall narrowing glass, allowing the fior di latte, vanilla gelato, or ice cream to melt and combine with espresso into the hollowed space in the bottom of the glass. Occasionally, coconut, berries, honeycomb and multiple flavors of ice cream are added. A biscotto or cookie can also be served and enjoyed alongside this beverage. Affogati are often enjoyed as a post-meal coffee dessert combo eaten and or drunk with a spoon or straw.
While the recipe of the affogato is more or less standard in Italy, consisting of a scoop of vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso, variations exist in European and American restaurants.
In Italy, it is known as "gelato al fior di latte" with the translation to English "flower of milk". Typically the ingredients in the ice cream includes dairy, starch, and sugar. It is popular in countries where they dress it with chocolate syrup, cantuccini, or biscotti to provide extra flavors.
History
The origins of the affogato in Italian history are unknown. However in America, the word affogato was included in English dictionaries as of 1992.
See also
In Spanish: Affogato para niños
