Double Scotch Caramel Affogato 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.

DOUBLE-CHOCOLATE SALTED CARAMEL MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick liners. Whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl; stir in the chopped chocolate. Whisk the milk, vegetable oil and eggs in a small bowl until smooth; stir into the flour mixture until just combined.
• Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling them two-thirds of the way. Bake until the edges are just set but the centers are still loose, 8 to 10 minutes. Working quickly, drop 1 heaping teaspoon dulce de leche into the center of each muffin. Return to the oven and bake until the batter rises over the dulce de leche and a toothpick inserted into a muffin (but not into the dulce de leche) comes out clean, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Finely grate chocolate over the tops of the hot muffins and sprinkle with flaky salt. Let the muffins cool 5 minutes in the pan, then remove to a rack to cool completely.

DOUBLE SCOTCH CARAMEL AFFOGATO

Steps:

• Swirl Scotch, sugar and salt in a medium heavy saucepan to combine. Heat on medium-high for 30 seconds, you should start to smell the alcohol vapor; using a stick lighter or long match, ignite the alcohol. Continue cooking, flames will be small at first and grow as the mixture heats but will die out completely after about 2 minutes.
• Boil sugar mixture, swirling occasionally (do not stir or crystals may form and result in a grainy caramel), until the edges start to turn golden, about 7-9 minutes. Keep swirling to mix the lighter and darker colors until the caramel is amber, another 2-3 minutes. Watch closely because the caramel can darken and burn quickly.
• As soon as it reaches amber, remove from heat, add butter and continue to swirl to melt the butter and to stop the caramel from getting any darker; butter will make the caramel bubble vigorously so be careful. When the butter is completely melted, swirl in heavy cream. Stir (it's ok to stir at this point) until cream is completely incorporated and caramel is smooth and no streaks of cream remain. Let cool, caramel will thicken as it sits.
• Divide ice cream among 12 highball glasses or bowls. Pour 1/2 shot of espresso over each and top with a drizzle of caramel.
• Do ahead: Caramel can be made 1 month ahead, store in an airtight container and chill. Reheat gently before using.