This is a very adult dessert. Besides the fact that it has all kinds of things you’re not supposed to give to kids in it (espresso, beer, liqueur) the flavor is rich and mature, not overly sweet and certainly not simple. Both espresso and stout are strongly flavored and have a fair amount of bitterness to them, and when paired with the simple and syrupy sweetness of chocolate liqueur and coffee ice cream, it’s a gorgeous mix of sweet and bitter, with the coffee and chocolate undertones of all four ingredients connecting all the flavors together. The temperature and density contrasts – hot thin espresso, cold creamy ice cream, cold frothy beer – add another element of complexity, at least for the first few bites, before it all melts into one delicious mixture. Since the effort in throwing this together is absolutely minimal – brewing a pot of espresso is the most time consuming task – these are the perfect dessert to end your next dinner party. I promise, they’re so elegant and delicious your guests will have no idea that your copping out on hours in the kitchen to bake that perfect layer cake.
Chocolate Stout Affogato
Serves 1.
- 1 scoop coffee ice cream
- 1 shot (2 oz.) hot espresso, freshly brewed
- 1.5 oz. chocolate liqueur, such as Godiva Mocha
- 1/2 c. stout beer, preferably chocolate stout
- Place the ice cream in a glass. Pour the espresso, chocolate liqueur, and stout over the top. Serve immediately.
Dining and Cooking