🇮🇹 Italian Cuisine · Desserts

Affogato al Caffè

Prep

5 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

1

Difficulty

Easy

A scoop of vanilla gelato 'drowned' in a shot of hot espresso, the perfect intersection of dessert and coffee.

Ingredients

  • 500g Italian sausage
  • 2 cups pizza dough
  • a handful of sliced shallots
  • a pinch of grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • a generous handful of zucchini
  • a handful of fresh sage, chopped
  • pine nuts, to taste
  • 400ml whole milk

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven (or set up your steamer or frying station) and lightly grease your pan or molds with extra-virgin olive oil.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh lasagna sheets and cracked black pepper until evenly combined.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, blend the balsamic vinegar with the whole milk until smooth and well incorporated.

  4. 4

    Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix.

  5. 5

    Transfer everything to your prepared pan or molds and cook — bake, steam, chill, or fry — until set, about 0 mins.

  6. 6

    Remove from the heat and let it cool completely; this helps the texture firm up perfectly.

  7. 7

    Garnish with basil or a dusting of lemon zest.

  8. 8

    Slice or portion into servings and serve.

Tips

Bring your balsamic vinegar to room temperature before mixing for a smoother, more even texture.

This keeps well for a couple of days in an airtight container, and the flavor often improves overnight.

Resist opening the oven door too early — a sudden change in temperature can cause the dessert to sink or crack.