Italian American Heritage Month was proclaimed by the President of the United States and US Congress in 1989. The month is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of Italian immigrants and their descendant to American culture. Any good celebration needs food, so today we're ordering an 'Affogato.' Affogato is quite simple: a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over to drown it. 

First appearing in the Oxford Dictionary of the English Language in 1992, affogato has changed only slightly over the years. In some parts of Italy and continental Europe Amaretto (almond liqueur) is also poured over the ice cream. Usually considered a dessert, in the Americas, affogato is often considered a drink.