Valentine’s Date during Nap Time

Affogato sounds really effing fancy. But really, it’s not all that fancy. It’s an Italian dessert that includes espresso, but so easy. It’s also not something you would make every day or even on the regular and that is why it’s perfect for a mini Valentine’s Day celebration. In fact, they can be made and enjoyed in the time span of the little guy/gal’s two hour nap. 

Mr. A and I don’t really usually celebrate Valentine’s Day. The idea of a day dedicated to overly expressing all the feels seems so forced and kinda takes all the fun out of it. It’s just not a holiday we go all out for. I get more excited for February 15, when all the pretty Valentine’s Day garb and candy goes on sale.

Now that Willy is a toddler and wants to hang alllll the time, finding the spare moments to just be together gets harder and harder. Dinner has turned into making sure a limited amount of food ends up in his hair and cleaning up and evenings are full of making obstacle courses for Willy and his bike rather than a movie and wine. We obviously love it, but have to make more of an effort to find the spare moments. Nap time and post bed time are the answers. Those are our times. It’s not for chores or cleaning, it’s for bad TV and making snacks that we don’t have to share.

Valentine’s Day is a good excuse for getting a little extra fancy and making these easy affogatos. Pair them with a game or a puzzle or even just a snack and it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your valentine. They’re so easy and quick, you’ll have plenty of time for, well, anything your little Valentine’s Day heart desires 🙂

Gather: Two Mugs | 1-2 Scoops of Good Quality Ice Cream (I opted for Haagen Dazs’ coffee flavor) | 1 Shot of Espresso or 3 Tbsp of Strong Coffee | Optional: Marshmallow Garnish

Do: While the coffee or espresso is brewing, scoop 1-2 scoops of ice cream into a coffee mug or dish, pour the coffee over top, enjoy immediately.

Try: Add a splash of sweetened condensed milk to make it extra rich. To really turn it into an adults afternoon, add a shot of Bailey’s or Rum Chatta. If coffee isn’t your thing or to make it kid friendly, use hot cocoa!