You may be wondering why this recipe is called ‘My Cousin Vinny’.  It’s because it’s a loveable Italian hot mess, that’s why.

This recipe is a concoction I came up with that’s a hybrid of two amazing desserts.  Last year, I had Thanksgiving dinner at Vancouver’s Four Seasons hotel where for dessert, I experienced Nutella ice cream with salted caramel popcorn.   I remember seeing that on the menu and thinking ‘this is going to be insanely wonderful’ and man, was I right.

The crunchy salted popcorn in nutty ice cream was such a bizarrely brilliant combination that was a delight and surprise that I’ll always remember.  Such a perfect blend of cold, sweet, salty goodness that’s perfect for recreating at home.

‘Affogato’ is an Italian dessert that combines gelato or ice cream and a shot of espresso.  I love serving affogatos with some crumbled cookies on top as a quick yet decadent dessert when entertaining, especially during weeknights when I really want something assembled and quick yet ‘homemade’ and satisfying.

I served this dessert last week after whipping up a rustic Italian-inspired dinner that started with an antipasta platter, followed by pasta ala Norma (fried eggplant and pasta in tomato sauce), crispy chicken thighs, and arugula salad.  I kept the decor pretty casual to go along with this theme and it was a relaxed and fun evening that was both a joy to cook and to eat.  And everyone’s favourite part was ‘My Cousin Vinny’ for dessert (a very close second was that crispy chicken… recipe to come).