November 23, 2013

Hot chocolate affogato

Remember when I discovered affogato?  It was love at first bite.  I think my husband and I had it every night for dessert for about 6 nights straight.  Our little one was a little peeved and intrigued. He'd say "you're having affogato again?" when he'd see me setting up for it around his bedtime.
Well, I hate to leave my little one out so this hot chocolate affogato was for him.  I came across a picture of it from Bon Appetit.  I showed it to my son, whose eyes lit up, and he requested it right away.  I managed to make him wait a bit but finally made a version for him recently.

Ice cream drowned in hot chocolate.  I don't need to say we all enjoyed it thoroughly.  It was another instance where I asked myself why I haven't done this before!  Better late than never.
For our cups of hot chocolate affogato, I used vanilla and mint ice cream.  To make it a little extra special, I added a spoonful of freshly whipped cream and sprinkled them with either dark chocolate or peppermint candy.  My little one kept sneaking more of that peppermint topping; I quickly realized I had to remove the bowl from him.
This is my kind of seasonal eating.  You know we're always being told, rightfully so, to eat what's "in season" and I'm hoping hot chocolate counts because it's clearly hot chocolate season and I hope you're taking full advantage of it like we are.

Throughout the holiday season (especially in December but we're starting earlier and earlier), I love to have hot chocolate "breaks" where my family and I drop everything and sit down to a little hot chocolate and some treats on a weekend afternoon.  It's just a way to take a pause and savor the holiday season.  This affogato is a little alternative for those breaks but cookies are still welcomed alongside, of course. 
I love the upcoming month of December.  As busy as it gets, I also feel like it's the calmest month and I make an effort to make sure it's relaxing and peaceful (that means a lot of online Christmas shopping!).  I hope you'll have time to savor the holidays with your family.  On a cold afternoon or night, make some hot chocolate, add some ice cream, and dig in together.  I think it'll remind you that yes, life is good...and that simple things can bring us a lot of joy.

What's your favorite type of hot chocolate?  Do you like it super rich and thick, made with real chocolate, or do you prefer one made with cocoa powder?  I did a funny, totally-informal hot chocolate taste test with my family a couple of years ago, with some surprising results.
For the affogato, I don't think you need super rich hot chocolate since you'll be adding ice cream.  I made hot chocolate using unsweetened cocoa powder as a base but I couldn't resist adding just a teeny bit of chocolate into it at the very end for a little bit of a thicker texture and some complexity.

Whatever you choose to do, take a cup or mug and add two scoops of your preferred ice cream into it (I like to pre-scoop in advance and have it in the freezer ready to go).  Then, just pour your favorite hot chocolate on top.  Additional toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint candy, sprinkles, cherries, crumbled cookies, etc. are all optional (but so much fun if you want to make a little party out of it).
I think I can promise you that no one will complain.  Furthermore, I think it'll put a little Christmas spirit into anyone.

Cheers to the holiday season!


Recipe:

Hot Chocolate Affogato
Inspired by this recipe from Bon Appetit*

* You hardly need a "recipe" so consider this a rough outline.  Simply think: hot chocolate, ice cream, and optional toppings, and have fun with it.

- For 1 serving - simply multiply to make as many servings as you need -

1 cup of your preferred hot chocolate (see my "hot chocolate taste test" for ideas)
2 scoops ice cream, flavor of your choice
Optional toppings: such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint candies, maraschino cherries, sprinkles, or nuts

Place ice cream scoops into a cup or mug.  Pour hot chocolate over the top and add desired toppings.  Serve and enjoy immediately!



46 comments:

  1. This looks mouthwatering Monica! A hot cup of this Hot Chocolate Affogato sounds so cozy and wonderful especially on these chillier and dreary days. Hehe, that is so cute and sweet that you made this for your lil guy since he was intrigued by your original Affogato :) Ooh and adding peppermint candy is a great idea and super festive. Hope you stay cozy and warm and enjoy the rest of the weekend :)

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    1. Kelly - thank you for your thoughtful comments. They put a smile on my face. Have a wonderful, cozy, calm weekend.

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  2. I was about to have my breakfast when I saw this mouthwatering hot chocolate affogato in my inbox. a wonderful treat! Have a great weekend, Monica!

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    1. I hope you put a little smile on your face, Balvinder. Chocolate does that for me. : ) Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

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  3. Hot chocolate season is my fave! This affogato sounds like a perfect idea. Hot chocolate + ice-cream??? Oh well, it doesn't get any better! ;)

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    1. Yes - I think we should just call this "hot chocolate season" instead of the holiday season! I'm all stocked up on hot chocolate and treats and ready to make the most of it all for as long as we can. : )

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  4. Who would love a cup of hot chocolate, esp. at this time of year!? It looks irresistible, Monica.

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    1. Thanks! It is hard to turn down hot chocolate right now when it's so cold!

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  5. This is a great idea! I'm not much of a coffee drinker (though I do really like the taste of coffee), so a hot chocolate version would definitely work for me. You all must eat and drink so well all the time :) And I agree, as busy as the Christmas season is, somehow I manage to find a little peace in it.

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    1. I wasn't much of a coffee drinker but I like it a lot more in the past few years...so I also like coffee desserts more...but nothing compares to chocolate!! Glad you make time to relax and enjoy yourself - it's so important not to get too boggled down with all the to-do's of right now.

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  6. So sweet of you to make this version for little one.
    A perfect little treat on a wintery day. Love this version. This honestly I got to show my teen, he just loves hot chocolate. Can't wait to make it.

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    1. I hope your teen enjoys a cup of this real soon! Another reason to buy/make ice cream in the winter.

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  7. You're right--how have I not done this before, either!?

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    1. I know - sometimes it's the simplest things...

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  8. Beautiful Monica! The second picture made me lick my lips picturising a cup of this in front of me. Little ones have a thing for hot chocolate...but then who does not! I love the idea of the peppermint topping..I am going to try it next time. I am looking forward to December too and all the celebrations and holiday baking. Meanwhile, I need some affogato..wish I could grab yours from the screen:-)

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    1. My son was a big fan of that peppermint topping. I had to take that bowl away! Hope you make a cup of hot choc affogato a reality real soon. : )

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  9. This hot chocolate affogato looks AMAZING! And so so true!!! Hot chocolate is definitely something that should be considered in-season!!!!!!! Especially during this time of the year! :) Loved this recipe and the peppermint sprinkles just make it look so BEAUTIFUL!

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  10. Oh my goodness. I can't think of anything that would be more welcoming and comforting right now...

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  11. I love this kind of seasonal eating :) Of course, hot chocolate is always in season in my book! I had the same reaction upon discovering affogato a few years ago. Absolutely love it and I love this version too.

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    1. haha - yes, same here! Hot chocolate, like pure chocolate and ice cream, is always in season! I really love a good affogato and I'm so glad I tried it. :)

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  12. Well if your intention was to make me want to jump through the screen and pound one of these down then you absolutely succeeded. I'm hungry for this but no ice cream in the house...dilemma!

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    1. lol! You painted a very funny picture for me, thank you! I hope there's ice cream in your freezer real soon. Thank you, Davida!

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  13. What a genius idea Monica! I never thought of making affogato with chocolate before. And the crushed peppermint candies makes this so festive. Knowing me, I would opt for the chocolate shavings. ;) Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe with us my friend and have a wonderful week and a happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. I'm so happy (and relieved) when I'm not the only one who hasn't tried something that seems somewhat obvious. : ) I'm with you, Anne...the peppermint might look better but I totally go for the extra chocolate, too!

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  14. I've been eyeing this recipe in bon appetit for a while because the.boy hates coffee and I feel like we could all use a little ice cream in our nights. Perfect compromise!

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    1. I couldn't get that pic from bon appetit out of my head! Ice cream makes everything even better so I hope you enjoy!

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  15. You have no idea how badly I want this right now!! It's supposed to snow(!!!) today in Texas and I just want to lay in bed with a mug of this goodness!

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    1. I heard that on the radio this morning driving my son to school! Stay safe and warm. Please stock up on essentials - like hot chocolate and ice cream. ; )

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  16. Wow, am I glad I stumbled upon this blog...and the post. I feel warmer already! Thanks. ela :)

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  17. Hot chocolate and ice cream? Hot, cold and creamy. I am going to make this for this weekend! Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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    1. Oh goodie! Hope you have an enjoyable weekend, with a nice hot/cold cup of this goodness. Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours too!

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  18. lol...I so agree..tis the season for hot chocolate! And I've not had any yet, so you have definitely inspired me. Looks soo good!!

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    1. Yes, I'm all about seasonal eating. Thank you for stopping by.

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  19. I love the idea of the hot and cold on the same bite, I used to make this using coffee…and did not know that it was called affogato ;-)
    Love the idea of hot chocolate…
    Thanks for the recipe Monica. Have a great week :D

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    1. Thanks, Juliana. It's perfect for my son who drinks his "hot" chocolate cool anyway. With ice cream, all the better. : )

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  20. Monica, I LOVE the idea of a hot cocoa affogato! Such a perfect idea for kids (and adults too). Also, I love that you have hot chocolate breaks :) My favorite type of hot chocolate is the super thick and rich one (i have a great recipe on my site), but if i'm going to add ice cream, prob the thinner stuff is better. Man, I'm totally craving this now!!!

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    1. Yes...I remember you're not much of a coffee drinker and you know hot chocolate is just so hard to turn down! I literally mentally schedule those hot chocolate breaks on December weekends. I lay out a few treats, there's cocoa, and we sit for a bit to eat and talk. I'll check out your recipe. I remember drinking the one from Angelina in Paris - it was rich and crazy delicious - best thing I ever drank! Now we're both craving hot chocolate (and ice cream!)

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  21. You have taken affogato to the next level! Nicely done!

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    1. Hi there - thanks so much! I can't believe I never thought to do it til I saw it in a magazine. I feel like I live under a rock sometimes. : )

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  22. Nothing better than this for my cold and rainy days lately!!!

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    1. Thank you - rainy, cold days, snowy days, sunny days... : ) It works for all weather! : )

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  23. Ooh I love this version of the affogato. Sounds so perfect especially for the holiday season, and I'll have to try it out! (:

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    1. It's so easy - no excuse not to make yourself one on a cold day! Happy Holiday season!

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