Ice Cream with Hot Espresso = Affogato | My New Nespresso VertuoLine

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUZ1hQUiGjW7NrOWBF6O0FBBOVWX6DDlA5EYEqNgcksTEzsKSCS0diH5JMq8RxptA3CpfkSP2Ea9nbv3E-9I4Uxr2-VJpJQIrtOkwiZ5Xt9R05MHuCEPrm2By_0ZmcT34z-XfFxdzQzxK/s1600/affogato.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUZ1hQUiGjW7NrOWBF6O0FBBOVWX6DDlA5EYEqNgcksTEzsKSCS0diH5JMq8RxptA3CpfkSP2Ea9nbv3E-9I4Uxr2-VJpJQIrtOkwiZ5Xt9R05MHuCEPrm2By_0ZmcT34z-XfFxdzQzxK/s1600/affogato.png" width="640" /></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwr5OOMpwioA0XlTC0YGUMb8UHe_37eDPAH_eJymoOy0wdFPG7i6SI6uF_wkr_7b7pnNfcv4cwufV-ZCjmQ5WhLu7pTouTNSH1Rq588sBSHM6p93X5odkiihk2NJZ5f2YnrLV_-6t7db9/s1600/IMG_2196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwr5OOMpwioA0XlTC0YGUMb8UHe_37eDPAH_eJymoOy0wdFPG7i6SI6uF_wkr_7b7pnNfcv4cwufV-ZCjmQ5WhLu7pTouTNSH1Rq588sBSHM6p93X5odkiihk2NJZ5f2YnrLV_-6t7db9/s1600/IMG_2196.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br />I love simple.  I love easy.  I also love delicious and incredibly chic desserts.  Especially those that combine coffee and ice cream.  Meet, the Affogato, meaning "drowned" ice cream.  Italy, you've done it again.<br /><br />We recently hosted a couple of couples for a very easy, relaxed dinner.  It was not the typical, outdoor barbeque party (though the grill was still involved), but a menu with more of a European flare - with a focus on simple and seasonal.  We sipped on chilled rose before dinner, and had grilled steaks marinated with rosemary, with a side of summer squash and parmesan gratin.<br /><br />We served dinner outside, late after dark and set the table with potted herbs and lots of candles.  After, we lounged on our side porch and had affogatos for dessert.  It is the sort of party I imagine Italian people have every night of the week after the kids go to bed.  We enjoyed our little slice of <i>dolce la vita</i>. <br /><br />You might remember around Christmas time, the very nice people at <a href="http://www.nespresso.com/us/en/pages/vertuo-machine">Nespresso</a> sent me a <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/good-monday-morning-nespresso-giveaway.html">Pixie and hosted a giveaway on my blog</a>.  Well, a couple of months ago they sent me their newest machine, the <a href="http://www.nespresso.com/us/en/pages/vertuo-machine">VertuoLine</a>.  It is the machine we've all been waiting for... it brews espresso and coffee.   As you can see from the photo, every cup (the coffee and espresso) is brewed in a very magical (my technical term) way that creates a frothy foam on top, even before adding any milk or cream.  The coffee underneath that creamy, caramel colored froth is a deep, rich brown.  I have loved my Pixie, but I have to say, I love having just one machine on my counter that does both coffee and espresso perfectly every time.<br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhfhcstUyFek7_ODCQT-6_AzM510Mer4k_Dhjz_fph0EouxSH7GoNYrWj_lpj1U0_fTo_y184uxp-68D1RtQdX1yLMxr07N2ZeQhy1y8l2PKrqq7wWL_EcpnAKF1BnEKcxxbQG3iL-2cO/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhfhcstUyFek7_ODCQT-6_AzM510Mer4k_Dhjz_fph0EouxSH7GoNYrWj_lpj1U0_fTo_y184uxp-68D1RtQdX1yLMxr07N2ZeQhy1y8l2PKrqq7wWL_EcpnAKF1BnEKcxxbQG3iL-2cO/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />There is not really a recipe to this, it is literally just vanilla ice cream with hot espresso or strong coffee poured over the top. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREdJBtLtK4KfmtEmU-OoNfsUiZA1p7uFqZmJ4pmBGpRIYpr-6weXbPoZIxFKVy827OwEKlKgdYPgZRBBZQ9EDVHqxqBea1ognXy536v9a0NnCz3hqMeW65MVBPCgdime7MKEurQi9pEYT/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREdJBtLtK4KfmtEmU-OoNfsUiZA1p7uFqZmJ4pmBGpRIYpr-6weXbPoZIxFKVy827OwEKlKgdYPgZRBBZQ9EDVHqxqBea1ognXy536v9a0NnCz3hqMeW65MVBPCgdime7MKEurQi9pEYT/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For this cup, I actually used a coffee pod.  You can see how rich it is.  It really is just heavenly.  I recommend using the decaf espresso for late night parties like ours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqlxy47_mPybtmi6bOeD_3puQjG2mfxA_-H7UiBWczvxNCgjNuaJPFJhvZfsn1EjzKd66PZz7MKAWJTe7xpBSluOSOZcU1TyoTeXoMXVb_TU25Mi3O9xoBNVz6QX3jjC7F3PqK2CqKqqM/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqlxy47_mPybtmi6bOeD_3puQjG2mfxA_-H7UiBWczvxNCgjNuaJPFJhvZfsn1EjzKd66PZz7MKAWJTe7xpBSluOSOZcU1TyoTeXoMXVb_TU25Mi3O9xoBNVz6QX3jjC7F3PqK2CqKqqM/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like to serve my guests (or just myself...) the ice cream in a mug, then bring a mini pitcher of the espresso around to pour over the ice cream.  After each bite, the ice cream melts a little more and the espresso turns into a cold, creamy drinkable treat.  The perfect grownup luxury after a hot day.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yrq75611JcGNyB3lehgPQYjKJ-V72yscq7iKxVVgVC6F_M78BkQfWdkuo1ZfIUt2GW53K5rpp_I60HxVZLNswkZLmpYCgSvsl3H4gLU3OFFF_LKqkRueHEX5NTOVN0fSo54H2OHDYGb2/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yrq75611JcGNyB3lehgPQYjKJ-V72yscq7iKxVVgVC6F_M78BkQfWdkuo1ZfIUt2GW53K5rpp_I60HxVZLNswkZLmpYCgSvsl3H4gLU3OFFF_LKqkRueHEX5NTOVN0fSo54H2OHDYGb2/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A nice crumbly cookie or piece of chocolate would be a great treat to go along with it, too.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSQ01qHtmLcnNwCDAm7qvhlP7uUse8m84tr2dCZNJ5Sppx88OBj0wW5lQ_2EKLxaIXD7b1hcMTNDjQVjbw4iYGb6dNwxO0Br362iZ7-tfU8j4j-yiGHpECwUhMGaoyuq2_iPrg7DDufUw/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSQ01qHtmLcnNwCDAm7qvhlP7uUse8m84tr2dCZNJ5Sppx88OBj0wW5lQ_2EKLxaIXD7b1hcMTNDjQVjbw4iYGb6dNwxO0Br362iZ7-tfU8j4j-yiGHpECwUhMGaoyuq2_iPrg7DDufUw/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Visit the <a href="http://www.nespresso.com/us/en/pages/vertuo-machine">Nespresso</a> site to read more about their new <a href="http://www.nespresso.com/us/en/pages/vertuo-machine">VertuoLine</a>.  Thanks Nespresso for the new machine... it has gotten a lot of use!<br /><br />

Ice Cream with Hot Espresso = Affogato | My New Nespresso VertuoLine

I love simple.  I love easy.  I also love delicious and incredibly chic desserts.  Especially those that combine coffee and ice cream.  Mee...

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Vanilla Syrup | Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCjZUD5XWf3pZO7lcP_g2Pvu4RHccx0HAgwX2wxEgTn-YuHe9qH9AlLutX2aIhZPXcBuw8EuDB8AfS2sDJOVG3bjDXj9AkwC4lST3NJBsZS6yMmDnJuph74mdlICdk2uGIU-lIKhMOQc/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCjZUD5XWf3pZO7lcP_g2Pvu4RHccx0HAgwX2wxEgTn-YuHe9qH9AlLutX2aIhZPXcBuw8EuDB8AfS2sDJOVG3bjDXj9AkwC4lST3NJBsZS6yMmDnJuph74mdlICdk2uGIU-lIKhMOQc/s640/IMG_1209.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lately I've been obsessed with Vanilla.  Not just any vanilla, but real vanilla from vanilla beans.  I think it all started when we made a creamy vanilla custard on Christmas Day for dessert.  I couldn't stop licking the bowl.  I could not stop.  Yesterday, I made a Vanilla Cream Sauce with Meringue Clouds for a dessert feature I was working on for another blog for which I contribute (I'll share the photos and link shortly).  There is something about cooked vanilla that sends me into a tizzy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWjU8krrzNA0J5n04nM7Iq1o81JrD-pTqgqPMsl9rysbKA8rP6I-_UiS6XyUMljcdAs9jF-7H7DQE1l5L7CfY0HtzAjV1vnPbAoGF8LAR7m5w7n_M_LIlpt7GVi0HCnuAZrXcT1LQJFc/s1600/002Natasha%2527s+Mulberry+%2526+Mott.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWjU8krrzNA0J5n04nM7Iq1o81JrD-pTqgqPMsl9rysbKA8rP6I-_UiS6XyUMljcdAs9jF-7H7DQE1l5L7CfY0HtzAjV1vnPbAoGF8LAR7m5w7n_M_LIlpt7GVi0HCnuAZrXcT1LQJFc/s640/002Natasha%2527s+Mulberry+%2526+Mott.JPG" width="426" /></a>With my new found obsession with all things vanilla, I thought I'd try some vanilla coffee K-Cups... after all, I love vanilla lattes.  Nope.  I should have known!  The "French Vanilla" flavor was nothing like the warm flavor of real vanilla.  Suddenly, I remembered an amazing vanilla bean syrup I put in my latte at Natasha's Mulberry & Mott in Kansas City (left : photo of her peppermint & orange syrup).  So, this morning I made a batch of Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup to accompany morning coffee... it was everything I hoped it would be!  Real, warm, slightly sweet vanilla.  Ummmm.  <span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup</span><i><br />warm fuzzy in a bottle</i><br /><br />2 cups of sugar<br />2 cups of water<br />1 vanilla bean <br /><br />Scrape the beans from the vanilla bean.  In a saucepan, mix together sugar, water and seeds from the vanilla bean.  Cook on low heat until it simmers.  Cook for 8-10 minutes until the liquid has reduced.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NUAr0SY9p7K3u2pJvf-LUxyL0AetPBPvaGLhNyAyXL19JZYIqBY35guDcZhvshJJTttO6oh0Dvldc7UH9t_AHtyVgDUAMFbF-SAHRIQPGo0opR0fR_9RdBn_I1u3nUXnYE-OWA-6bs/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NUAr0SY9p7K3u2pJvf-LUxyL0AetPBPvaGLhNyAyXL19JZYIqBY35guDcZhvshJJTttO6oh0Dvldc7UH9t_AHtyVgDUAMFbF-SAHRIQPGo0opR0fR_9RdBn_I1u3nUXnYE-OWA-6bs/s640/IMG_1207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Cooking in the saucepan with the bean seeds and the bean.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Gc8i4jX0mV5vNIEbOKvao9L3trsl3DxmDM9SidT1n7w1RHaATVKetoznDl_0TM5pDHdoVd8SivgVGl1FhqK4UIiRyL9xsx1hutljJA5DoRjCajG-iAveigTx7NoI4tmcCZfjdIjpho/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Gc8i4jX0mV5vNIEbOKvao9L3trsl3DxmDM9SidT1n7w1RHaATVKetoznDl_0TM5pDHdoVd8SivgVGl1FhqK4UIiRyL9xsx1hutljJA5DoRjCajG-iAveigTx7NoI4tmcCZfjdIjpho/s640/IMG_1213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bottled up!

Vanilla Syrup | Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup

Lately I've been obsessed with Vanilla.  Not just any vanilla, but real vanilla from vanilla beans.  I think it all started when we mad...

Read more »