 Affogato Affogato [a-fa-ga-to]: Noun. A delicious beverage comprising a large scoop of premium quality vanilla bean ice cream with a freshly extracted shot of espresso coffee poured over it. On our travels here and there, Peter and I will often seek out cafes on a quest for good coffee. My caffè of choice is a double shot macchiato with a splash of extra milk. There are times, however, when I'm craving an affogato. More often than not, Peter will order me an affogato, but (dependent on the cafe and our location) there are occasions when he says 'Don't be silly, they're not going to know what that is here!'. My somewhat indignant response to this is usually, 'Well then, I'll explain to them how easy it is to make one.'  The recipe for this exquisite vanilla bean ice cream can be found on the Heilala Vanilla web site. Image courtesy Heilala Vanilla. Now, I say that to my Peter tongue-in-cheek, but with confidence, because when I managed the fresh produce markets, I taught the owner of the Greek Fish'n'Chip shop how to make a BLT. The fellow was delighted, as the BLT quickly became the bestseller on his menu! Besides, it's not difficult to make an affogato if you have top quality vanilla bean ice cream and fresh, fine quality espresso coffee. And there's a cafe owner or two out there who have included affogato on their repertoire since our visit. So, how do you prepare an affogato? Nic, expert barista and the NSW State Manager of Toby's Estate, explains that the espresso shot should be poured over the ice cream after its extracted. And that's it! Simple. With its creamy vanilla deliciousness melting in flavoursome espresso: affogato is yummy as a beverage, but is also perfect as a simple and delicious dessert, especially when you've made the vanilla bean ice cream from scratch. Of course, you need the best quality vanilla to make the best quality vanilla bean ice cream. Heilala Vanilla has plantations in Tonga and in New Zealand, and the company offers a range of 100% pure, award winning vanilla products to home cooks, chefs and food manufacturers through its online store. In addition to a range of vanilla products, there's a divine selection of vanilla-based recipes on the Heilala Vanilla site, including a recipe for vanilla bean ice cream. AND NOW FOR THE FANTASTIC HEILALA VANILLA PRIZE GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Heilala Vanilla, one lucky reader of Bizzy Lizzy's GOOD THINGS will WIN a Breville smart scoops ice cream maker (wow!) and an exquisite Heilala Vanilla prize pack. A second lucky reader will win a Heilala Vanilla prize pack.  WIN this Breville smart scoops Ice cream maker valued at $399, together with a Heilala Vanilla prize pack valued at $35 AND THE WINNERS ARE: FIRST PRIZE: KATHRYN ELLIOTT - YOU HAVE WON THIS BREVILLE SMART SCOOPS ICE CREAM MACHINE AND A HEILALA VANILLA GIFT PACK~ SECOND PRIZE: ALEX PRICHARD - YOU HAVE WON A HEILALA VANILLA GIFT PACK THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED THE COMPETITION AND FOR YOUR DELIGHTFUL COMMENTS! THE PRIZES 1st prize is a Breville smart scoops ice cream maker (valued at $399.00) with a Heilala Vanilla prize pack containing 250ml Heilala Vanilla Syrup and 60ml Heilala Vanilla Paste (valued at $35.00). 2nd prize is a Heilala Vanilla prize pack containing 250ml Heilala Vanilla Syrup and 60ml Heilala Vanilla Paste (valued at $35.00). HOW TO ENTER AND CONDITIONS The competition is open to Australian residents only and runs from Friday, 15 February until midnight on Thursday, 28 February 2013. To enter the contest, submit a comment on this post and (if you like) tell me about the best vanilla dish you've ever created or eaten and why you'd love to win. Please make sure you enter your email address with your comment, so that I can reach you in the event that you're the winner! And please click "+1 Do It!" to record your entry via the Rafflecopter below otherwise your entry won't count. Opportunities for additional entries: Share the Vanilla love. Follow me @bizzylizzycooks and @HeilalaVanilla on Twitter (if you aren't already) then RT our competition details for one additional entry. Then 'like' my facebook page and Heilala's page, comment and share on Facebook for one additional entry. As you complete each task don't forget to click "+1 Do It!" to record your entry via the Rafflecopter below otherwise your entry won't count. (This widget makes it simpler to record all the entries). DISCLOSURE Heilala Vanilla has generously sponsored the prizes. I have not been compensated for this post, but am delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to win. So spread the word, get those entries in and good luck! Thank you Heilala Vanilla. And, thank you, dear readers for supporting Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things.  Fine quality coffee beans from Toby's Estate  Freshly extracted espresso coffee is poured over the scoop of vanilla bean ice cream  A well made affogato is delicious as a beverage, but is also a simple and delicious dessert  Creamy vanilla deliciousness melting in flavoursome espresso coffee So, what's the BEST vanilla dish you've created in your kitchen, or the most delicious vanilla dish you've eaten?
14/2/2013 07:43:04 am
Love affogato, whatever the weather & country. Great contest but I know I'm too far away to enter :-( I haven't heard of Heilala but I will look them up and see if they are in the UK. 14/2/2013 12:24:07 pm
i don't think i've made anything with vanilla worthy of this wonderful prize. you are so generous to offer it! but i love making a plainish cake or a custardy pudding and using vanilla paste instead of the usual vanilla extract, so i can see the pretty little specks thru each slice. i take a childish delight in those little dots. 14/2/2013 06:04:49 pm
To be honest, I have never made a vanilla dessert but would love to use a vanilla bean pod in a home-made ice cream. I have eaten a vanilla bean ice cream at a restaurant where I could visually see the gorgeous vanilla bean specks and taste the quality. This was served with a mango tart which to me screams summer and I believe vanilla is the perfect accompaniment to a fresh fruit like mango! I'd love love to win this prize because I've never won anything online and I love to be creative in the kitchen!
Heather
14/2/2013 06:42:48 pm
creme brûlée is the best vanilla dish ever! Gorgeous prize :)
Miranda
14/2/2013 07:43:23 pm
The best vanilla flavoured desert I've made? Without a doubt it would have to be the vanilla-flavoured cream in my grandma's pavlova recipe. I recreated her recipe for Christmas last year - deliciously sweet, melt in your mouth meringue, topped with beautifully flavoured vanilla cream and strawberries. Yum! Ps love the post - my boyfriend is forever ordering affogatos whenever we head out to a cafe! Maybe this way I could make him some from home :)
Keir Dickson
14/2/2013 07:46:59 pm
Best I've tried, believe it or not, is the creme brulee at the Trattoria in the Hellenic Club (Woden). We'd be stuffed after lunch, but when they ask about dessert we'd look at each other and there's no way we could say no. Nothing beats beautiful, creamy vanilla custard :).
Gemma
14/2/2013 07:48:44 pm
I once made a vanilla mirror glaze that was stunning - perfect white due to a very large amount of titanium dioxide, and millions of black vanilla bean specks, covering a thick disc of dark chocolate mousse. Visually beautifull, and pretty tasty too!
This is awesome Lizzy and Affogato!!! Ohhhh how I miss that being dairy intolerant. 14/2/2013 08:49:16 pm
This would be AWESOME to win!!! I make vanilla bean syrup and pour it over fresh fruit and homemade yoghurt for a treat. Love your work Lizzy :)
Mathew Hatcher
14/2/2013 10:21:23 pm
Vanilla bean creme brûlée is easily my favourite vanilla dessert. Just gorgeous!
Amber Boyce
14/2/2013 11:06:09 pm
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream - but only ever from a carton
Amanda N
15/2/2013 07:57:20 am
Vanilla bean ice cream! It was lovely!
Tracey
15/2/2013 11:05:42 am
Vanilla kefir icecream. It is divine. Alas, my poor old icecream maker is on its last legs, so winning this would be incredible.
Tracey
15/2/2013 11:11:32 am
I must be having a blonde moment, because I can't find the "+1 do it" to click on the raffle copter to make this entry count.
Gabriella
15/2/2013 04:46:39 pm
Me either Tracey. Phew, glad I'm not alone there. Not the brightest with technology though!
Lizzy
15/2/2013 08:28:05 pm
Tracey and Gabriella, the machine automatically records your comment as an entry. 15/2/2013 12:10:14 pm
The unique vanilla lemongrass, hibiscus tea ice cream recipe in my mind! 15/2/2013 04:33:43 pm
Hi Lizzy, this is a lovely generous giveaway indeed, thank you for the opportunity! 15/2/2013 04:58:17 pm
My favourite vanilla thing is that old Aussie standard - Vanilla Slice! Preferably from the Tatura bakery in Victoria where their Vanilla Slice won 1st prize!! Why make it myself when the Tatura Bakery does it WAAAAAY better than I ever will?!?! 15/2/2013 06:03:27 pm
What a wonderful prize Lizzy! :D And that's great that you taught that person how to make a BLT and it became so popular!
Narelle Rock
15/2/2013 06:32:36 pm
great prize, thankyou for the chance, love the idea of being able to create some yummy desserts for my kids. 16/2/2013 10:28:30 am
My favourite vanilla dish would have to be my vanilla bean panna cotta! Though I won't say no to an affogato made with good coffee and good ice cream :)
Corrie Irons
16/2/2013 02:36:21 pm
Thanks for this opportunity! You can't go past a perfect restaurant creme brulee for appreciating real vanilla and the most requested dish I make at home would be a simple rice pudding, baked slowly with scrapings of real vanilla beans and cinnamon to give it an amazing flavour. Yum!
It’s very difficult to decide on the best vanilla dish I’ve ever created. Like many others here, I am a massive fan of crème brulee. But I have to say, sometimes vanilla deserves a little extra sparkle to make it really shine. I recently made vanilla cupcakes with orange blossom frosting (http://susansumptuousuppers.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/vanilla-and-orange-blossom-cupcakes/). I think they were wonderful. The buttery orange blossom frosting paired perfectly with the vanilla. They were also super pretty, topped with a crystallised violet.
Kim m
17/2/2013 12:58:49 am
Vanilla ice cream at beach was fantastic. 17/2/2013 06:38:12 am
Mum and I used to make a vanilla cheesecake together when she was alive; vanilla, cooking and baking brings back a lot of happy memories.
kerry santillo
17/2/2013 12:47:28 pm
I make an easy vanilla butter cake, its to do for!!!! thanks for a chance :)) 17/2/2013 12:54:34 pm
Melbourne is the place for coffee culture, Canberra is a bit off a back water in this regard sadly :(
Effie Bakkalis
17/2/2013 02:21:32 pm
My favourite dish was a vanilla panna cotta that I had at a restaurant here in Melbourne. It was divine!!
Jo
17/2/2013 08:55:41 pm
The banana fig raspberry and vanilla cake that came out of my oven?! Yum! Be nice with an affogato too actually.... Awesome prize! 17/2/2013 10:38:07 pm
What a fantastic prize Lizzie! I picked up a jar of Heilala vanilla bean paste not too long ago and absolutely love it, the fragrance is incredible. It's so hard to pick a favourite vanilla recipe but I think if I had to pick, it would be something simple like vanilla sugar cookies with vanilla frosting because you can really smell and taste the vanilla - nothing really else really obstructs the flavour in such a simple recipe, yum!
Nadine costelow
18/2/2013 07:40:17 am
Tenina's strawberry and vanilla jam is a favourite in this house! But I'm a sucker for all things vanilla!! Adore the taste and sent, will often wash used vanilla beans(previously used in dishes at home), sit them in a jar in the widow just to let the gorgeous smell drift through our home! 18/2/2013 11:51:56 am
An affogato is not something i have often, Lizzy, but you have me craving for one, right now. Love the serving glass and saucer you've used. Very stylish!
Peta
18/2/2013 04:21:34 pm
Hey, loved the piece on affogato, Bizzy LIzzy! I never think about affogato as a dessert because it's too simple but I like the idea of treating it as a beverage. Will be having more of it this way.
Wow what a great competition. Im in! I would LOVE a ice cream maker that by the looks of it is ELECTRIC! I have no room in my freezer for those freezer bowl contraptions and they never seem to be able to get my sorbets cold enough to freeze. So yes I would love and adore an electric ice cream maker.
Oh I meant to say that all of the affogato I grew up with that my southern italian grandparents made for us as little kids used cold percolated coffee made from those italian coffee percolators. The trick was to make the coffee and sugar it up and put it in the fridge. Young and old would hit up the big bottle of coffee as it was quite refreshing in summer.
The Little Red Hen
18/2/2013 06:44:14 pm
One of my favourite ways to use vanilla is very simple-poached peaches with vanilla in the syrup. Served cold, with Greek yoghurt. We used to have this with our home grown peaches when I was young. Delicious nostalgia!
Peta
19/2/2013 09:10:37 am
I love peaches poached in vanilla syrup. Made them two weekends ago. Poached fruit, so easy! 18/2/2013 06:59:43 pm
I think that vanilla is best showcased by a very simple vanilla panna cotta and I would love to win an ice cream machine because I am an ice cream addict and this will allow me to feed my addiction at home using the very best ingredients!
@MizPlanet
18/2/2013 08:39:51 pm
My fav dessert is vanilla infused Drunken Bananas butter, bananas (sliced)1/2 fresh vanilla bean then pan poached with a dash of Bundaberg Rum & serve warm with fine vanilla ice cream - yuuuum
Samantha Y
18/2/2013 10:13:12 pm
The best vanilla dish. Something that can be shared, and of course celebrated. There is nothing better than a first birthday vanilla cake for this reason. Baked with love, care and decorated with pride. Then to see the face of your one year old, pure delight as they experience their first date of that vanilla buttercream icing and yummy buttery cake. A memory to be cherished forever in any parents heart.
Elissa R
19/2/2013 09:09:07 am
I make pavlova with Heilala vanilla paste in the pav and also in the cream. It looked fantastic with the seeds flecked through the base! I would love to win the icecream to make sugar free fruit icecream for my toddler and baby. 19/2/2013 10:03:18 am
I do love an affogato as well, but you're right it has to be good vanilla ice-cream. 19/2/2013 05:52:28 pm
this is for my soulmate as he does all the cooking but he loves vanilla icecream so this would be heaven to make his own
Jay
19/2/2013 05:59:18 pm
Creme brûlée in Paris!
Tracy Boulter
19/2/2013 06:00:12 pm
I use vanilla in my baking and creamed rice, but never taken it further. Vanilla icecream is great to compliment deserts.
Jean Rutherford
19/2/2013 06:08:34 pm
My grandmas homemade vanilla ice cream. No idea how she made it but I remember many her beating it many times. On my wish list is an ice cream maker so that I can create my own with the freshest incredients and no nasty additives.
Tricia
19/2/2013 06:17:19 pm
I've been trying to perfect real vanilla icecream , I don't have an icecream machine though so previous attempts have been delicious but a bit icey, an icecream machine is just what I need!
Elyse Griffiths
19/2/2013 07:06:45 pm
The best vanilla dish i ever created was during a massive pregnancy craving. Vanilla french toast with bacon, maple syrup and lashing of vanilla whipped cream. Amazing combination, i still enjoy it even now i've had my baby. I can just imagine turning this into an ice cream mmmm.
Rosemary St John
19/2/2013 07:23:37 pm
I think pure Heilala vanilla is best showcased in a pannacotta, with its lovely creamy wobbliness emphasized by the tang of white wine-stewed dried apricots with saffron.
Kirsten W
19/2/2013 10:26:14 pm
Does Vanilla Slice count?
Cassandra Henry
19/2/2013 10:31:03 pm
I just love the inspiration you offer on your site! I'm not a great cook, although sweet things are a fav, and I'm finding such motivation to get out of my current "dinner rut"! lol
Megan Robertson
19/2/2013 11:19:43 pm
My favourite vanilla desert was a Vanilla custard with roasted blueberries that my grandmother made. Just delicious.
Chris Arthur
20/2/2013 07:25:14 am
My favourite vanilla dessert is cupcakes covered in vanilla bean icing with dribbles of chocolate all over it :)
Sophie Wright
20/2/2013 07:35:21 am
Simple and pure - vanilla ice cream. A sure hit with everyone!
Charli Hoffmann
20/2/2013 12:04:15 pm
My mum made me special Vanilla Vegan Cake With Mango & Passionfruit for my birthday 2 years ago. deliiiiish
Adele Smith
20/2/2013 12:10:19 pm
Rapunzel tower cakes (using dariole moulds) were yummy and a twist on the average cupcake. This prize is awesome and something new I've never attempted before,so would love to give it a go. 20/2/2013 03:07:36 pm
Lizzy! You take your coffee exactly the same way as I do! Also - most of the time I choose an affogato as dessert :)
Kate Horsfall
20/2/2013 03:20:51 pm
My favourite vanilla dish is simply vanilla bean icecream!! nothing compares to home made vanilla bean icecream.
Did you know that the vanilla bean comes from an orchid plant?
Gemma Oberholzer
22/2/2013 02:10:49 pm
The beat vanilla dish I have created is Vanilla-Bean Creme Caramels. So delicious!
Natalie Stoute
22/2/2013 10:28:01 pm
The best vanilla dish I've eaten was a home-made vanilla, white-chocolate and apricot icecream. I could have died and gone to heaven! The texture, the taste, the experience. It was literally a party in my mouth. I woke up thinking about it. Yes I did. Honestly. I'd love to win this so I can replicate this amazing tastebud sensation myself. Who needs men when you can own an ice cream maker? ;)
Jody
23/2/2013 04:56:29 pm
This is the ice cream machine I have been after for a while , I enjoy making ice cream and a fav at our house is Vanilla bean with macadamia nutswith a berry coulis perhaps
Irene P
23/2/2013 05:13:05 pm
You do realise you've now given us all a yearning for affogato. :)
Maria L
23/2/2013 06:54:05 pm
I love making vanilla rice pudding - pure comfort at its best and would love to try new and wonderful desserts with vanilla
Jo Smith
23/2/2013 09:31:43 pm
Vanilla custard in profiteroles with chocolate fudge sauce. Yum! I didn't know vanilla would grow in New Zealand. 24/2/2013 09:50:30 am
My favourite vanilla recipe is the Heilala Vanilla Melting Moments. I would love to win because my stash of Heilala Vanilla is running out and this ice cream machine would mean no more freezing the bowl.
Sophie
24/2/2013 10:11:30 am
My best ever vanillia dish is good custardy vanilla ice cream with homemade lemon curd and meringues with vanilla all smashed together in a glass! easy to make beforehand and always impresses people.
Jenny
24/2/2013 12:04:36 pm
I just love cooking a proper egg custard with a hint of vanilla. Tastes amazing - so much better than using custard powder.
Amanda Casalanguida
24/2/2013 09:39:55 pm
Vanilla Baked Rice Custard - oh my gosh. Got this recipe from a dear friend. Uses far too many eggs, but what a feast. Prefect dessert & even lunch box addition for our young fella!
Fi R
24/2/2013 10:27:00 pm
The last time I used a vanilla pod was when I made rhubarb and vanilla jam. Everything ended up sticky but the jam tasted divine. I’m sure an ice cream maker would be easier to clean but give just as delicious results.
@5pandas
25/2/2013 08:08:33 am
simple grilled white peaches or nectarines, sprinkled with vanilla sugar which caramelises beautifully, served with a scoop of home made vanilla ice cream. Btw, have you ever tried affogato made with iced black coffee? the perfect thing on those days that are so hot, that it is an effort to move.
Michelle Thomas
25/2/2013 09:57:43 am
I made a really nice Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta using Splenda for my diabetic uncle (I was the favourite neice for a month!!) he has to watch the fat of the cream, but it was a total treat. I love the flecks and taste vanilla bean gives. You know Affogato means drown - what a way to go!!!!
Kylie Ortolan
25/2/2013 02:14:29 pm
I have only really just gotten into cooking so the best thing I have made is a Vanilla cake.....Not using a packet mix, Yay me!!!
Kiely
25/2/2013 06:25:33 pm
Vanilla cheescake using Vanilla paste, it can't be beaten!
Kat
26/2/2013 01:18:26 pm
Lovely to keep updated with your blog. My first own homemade icecream was devine vanilla!
Merryl Walker
26/2/2013 02:59:56 pm
A simple Vanilla milkshake. When made properly with quality products and is icy cold, it is so refreshing.
Kate Evans
26/2/2013 10:12:27 pm
Vanilla Custard
Ceara
27/2/2013 09:26:12 am
I make something i called the 'Queen of Tarts'
Stacey Gladman
27/2/2013 01:42:16 pm
A vanilla panacotta with cherries, it was beautiful and I felt like such a proud chef making it myself.
JanelleM
27/2/2013 10:24:00 pm
Simple but loved by my kids. A vanilla bean milkshake. Nothing better than a milkshake with real vanilla. Perfect for an afternoon treat after school. Comments are closed.
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Photo Jay Cranon, The Canberra Times
Hello. I'm Liz, a writer, cook and traveller based in Canberra, Australia.
Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes, postcards and morsels from my adventures, conversations with cookery writers and chefs, and news on food and cooking.  Search by topicNB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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