Affogato With Chucks Coffee Cigars Food

AFFOGATO

Steps:

• Place 2 small scoops of ice cream (coffee, chocolate or vanilla) in a coffee cup, then pour in a shot of espresso or 3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee. Top with shaved dark chocolate and chopped hazelnuts.

AFFOGATO

Steps:

• Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato in a small mug and top it with a shot of hot espresso or strong coffee. You'll have what may be the loveliest-and simplest-of Italian desserts: "affogato," which aptly means "drowned."

TRUFFLE BUTTER

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, combine the butter and truffle bits together. Season the mixture with salt, to taste. Spoon the butter onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form into a log. Wrap the log tightly and put in the refrigerator until ready to use.

TURKISH CHEESE AND HERB CIGARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mash the farmer's cheese, feta and mozzarella together in a bowl using a fork. Work the egg in with the fork, then stir in the parsley, dill, chives, lemon zest and a large pinch of black pepper.
• Put a damp, clean towel on your counter. Unfold the phyllo sheets on top and cover with another damp, clean towel.
• Put 1 sheet of phyllo on a cutting board with the long side closest to you and brush lightly with butter. Top with another sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with butter. Top with a third sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with butter. Cut the phyllo in half crosswise, then cut each half horizontally into thirds. Place the rectangles on a baking sheet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining phyllo.
• Working with one buttered phyllo stack at a time, spread a heaping tablespoon of cheese along the long edge of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border at each end. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up from the bottom edge of the phyllo. Transfer rolled cigars to a baking sheet seam-side down and brush each with a little butter. Repeat with the remaining phyllo, filling and butter.
• Bake the cigars, rotating the pan halfway through, until crispy and golden-brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve.

AFFOGATO WITH CHUCK'S COFFEE CIGARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the cigars:.
• In a stockpot, melt the butter, sugar, maple syrup, espresso, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat.
• Drop a teaspoon-size amount of batter on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spread thinly with the back of a spoon or a palette knife into a circular size shape. Sprinkle with hazelnuts. Repeat until all the batter has been used. Bake in the oven until slightly golden brown, for about 8 minutes. Remove and let cool only slightly until you can handle them, about 5 minutes. Carefully roll them into a cigar shape using the handle of a wooden spoon to guide you, if necessary. If you see they are hardening too quickly, you can put them back in the oven for a minute or two to re-soften and continue rolling. Set aside.
• For serving:.
• Rim the edges of the espresso cups with lemon juice and then lightly dip the cup in sugar. Add a shot of espresso coffee. Garnish with a scoop of ice cream and lemon zest. Serve the coffee cigars on the side.

CHUCK'S RICOTTA CHEESE RISOTTO

Steps:

• For the risotto: In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a simmer over medium-low heat.
• In a large saucepan, cook the shallots and leek in 1 tablespoon oil over medium-low heat, stirring, until softened, for about 5 minutes. Add the rice, stirring until each grain is coated with oil. Add about 3/4 cup of the simmering stock and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the stock is absorbed. Continue adding the stock, 3/4 cup at a time, still stirring constantly and letting each batch be absorbed before adding the next. Reduce the heat to moderate if necessary to keep the risotto at a simmer. Continue adding the stock in the same manner until the rice is tender and creamy looking but still al dente, about 20 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low, add the butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, spinach, and green peas. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Remove from heat and keep warm.
• For the sauteed rock shrimp and mushrooms: In a heavy-bottom frying pan, heat the oil and saute the mushrooms for 3 minutes. Add the shrimp and continue sauteing for 3 to 4 minutes. Melt in the butter, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Serve the risotto with the sauteed rock shrimp and mushrooms. Garnish with parsley, chive and a few dollops of ricotta cheese.