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Affogato facts for kids

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Affogato
Vinoteca, Smithfield, London (4485849609).jpg
Type Beverage
Main ingredients Gelato or ice cream (vanilla), espresso

An affogato (pronounced ah-fuh-GAH-toh) is a yummy Italian coffee-based dessert. Its name means "drowned in coffee" in Italian. It's usually made with a scoop of plain milk-flavored (called fior di latte) or vanilla gelato or ice cream. This scoop is then "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso. Sometimes, other flavorings like syrups are added too.

What is an Affogato?

An affogato is a simple yet delicious treat. It brings together the creamy coolness of ice cream with the warm, strong taste of coffee. It's often served in a tall glass. This lets the ice cream slowly melt into the espresso. The two mix together at the bottom of the glass.

How to Enjoy Your Affogato

You can enjoy an affogato in different ways. Some people like to eat it with a spoon. Others prefer to drink it with a straw. It's a perfect mix of a dessert and a coffee drink. People often have it after a meal. Sometimes, a biscotto or cookie is served on the side. This gives you something extra to dip or munch on.

Different Flavors to Try

While the classic affogato uses vanilla gelato, there are fun variations. You might find affogatos with coconut or berry ice cream. Some even have honeycomb pieces! In Italy, the traditional ice cream is "gelato al fior di latte." This means "flower of milk" gelato. It's usually made with dairy, starch, and sugar. Outside Italy, people sometimes add chocolate syrup or different kinds of cookies.

A Brief History of Affogato

The exact start of the affogato in Italy is not fully known. It's a classic Italian dessert that has been enjoyed for a long time. In America, the word "affogato" became officially part of English dictionaries in 1992. This shows how popular this tasty treat has become around the world!

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Affogato para niños

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