Name: Hot-Cocoa Affogato with Peppermint Ice Cream
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup chilled heavy cream, divided; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 large pinch of kosher salt; 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 5 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 72% cacao), chopped; 1/3 cup (loosely packed) natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon finely ground espresso or dark-roast coffee beans; 2 pints peppermint or mint chip ice cream; 8 small candy canes (optional)

Three bowls of hot cocoa affogato on a snowy background.

Hot-Cocoa Affogato with Peppermint Ice CreamDitte Isager

Rich, chocolaty cocoa is poured over a scoop of peppermint ice cream for a kid-friendly twist on the Italian espresso- ice cream dessert.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

3 cups whole milk

1 cup chilled heavy cream, divided

1/3 cup sugar

1 large pinch of kosher salt

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

5 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 72% cacao), chopped

1/3 cup (loosely packed) natural unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon finely ground espresso or dark-roast coffee beans

2 pints peppermint or mint chip ice cream

8 small candy canes (optional)

Preparation

Step 1
Combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, sugar, salt, and 1/4 cup water in a large heavy saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add chocolate and cocoa powder; whisk until chocolate melts and mixture just comes to a boil. DO AHEAD: Cocoa can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Bring to a simmer before continuing.
Step 2
Whisk remaining 1/2 cup cream and ground coffee in a small bowl until firm peaks form. DO AHEAD: Whipped cream can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Rewhisk if needed before using.
Step 3
Remove vanilla bean from hot cocoa; discard. Transfer cocoa to a blender and purée until thick and foamy, about 2 minutes.
Step 4
Scoop ice cream into teacups; pour hot cocoa into cups, dividing evenly. Top each with a small dollop of coffee whipped cream. Garnish with a small candy cane, if desired.