Affogato

Instructions

1. Chill the serving glasses
   Place 4 small coffee cups or dessert glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps keep the gelato from melting too quickly when the hot espresso is poured over.
2. Prepare the espresso
   Using an espresso machine or moka pot, brew 4 shots of fresh, strong espresso. The espresso should be hot and freshly made for the best contrast with the cold gelato.
3. Assemble the dessert
   Remove the chilled glasses from the freezer. Place one scoop of vanilla gelato in each glass. Sprinkle half of the crushed amaretti cookies over the gelato. If using amaretto liqueur, drizzle 1/2 tablespoon over each scoop of gelato.
4. Pour the espresso
   Immediately pour one shot of hot espresso over each scoop of gelato. The hot espresso will begin to melt the gelato, creating a creamy, coffee-infused sauce.
5. Garnish and serve
   Quickly garnish each affogato with the remaining crushed amaretti cookies, chocolate-covered coffee beans, a light dusting of cocoa powder, shaved dark chocolate, and a mint leaf if desired. Serve immediately with a small spoon.