Coffee Gelato

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Envision this….you are walking down the streets in Firenze towards the Duomo and you want to satisfy your sweet tooth – no problem.  Turn the corner past The Oil Shoppe and there is a gelateria.  Only 2 euros for two scoops – perfect…thats change right!? What flavors shall you pick?  In this post, T.W.O. recreates the authentic Italian coffee gelato.  It’s very similar minus the cobble stone streets and the outstanding architecture.  Thats amore – lets travel to ITALIA!


Coffee Gelato

Ingredients:
– 5 egg yolks
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk
– 2 Tablespoon vanilla
– 1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water

Directions:
1. Whisk yolks in a large bowl until blended and fluffy.
2. Bring milk to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk hot milk into egg mixture; then whisk in espresso mixture and vanilla.
3. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir over medium heat until custard thickens and leaves path on back of spoon when finger is drawn across, about 8 minutes (Be careful not to boil).
4. Refrigerate the custard until cold, about 3 hours.
5. Process custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Freeze in covered container. For best results let is freeze for 24 hours.



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VJB Vineyards & Cellars

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Wine. Pizza Oven. Deli. Gelato. Music.  VJB Cellars has it all!  Not only is their wine delicious, the atmosphere in their piazza is excellent.  T.W.O. has been going to VJB for many years and takes all their visitors to this family-owned Kenwood winery.

Meet the Belmonte’s

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Vittorio, Henry and Maria Belmonte are the family members who started this winery.  Just about every weekend, you can see at least one of them roaming around the piazza.  Like every visit to VJB, Vittorio and the staff greet us with open arms, just as if we were family. When in Italy…or should I say VJB!

The Piazza

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The piazza is an open aired patio that is identical to the ones in a small, Italian town.  With a pizza kitchen on one end and long tables on the other, it is a great place to enjoy lunch and some wine on a beautiful day. The food is excellent.  Pizza, ribs, paninis and sandwiches are all made fresh to order.  T.W.O. highly suggests the traditional margarita pizza.  If you decide to go to VJB on the weekend, you can expect live music in the piazza.  Close your eyes and you will think you are in Italy!

The Deli

The deli has everything from cold meats, fresh salads, and cheese that you can order to go or to enjoy in the piazza.  Don’t forget to pick up some of Maria’s pasta sauce on the way out- it is delicious!

The Tasting Room + VJB Wines

Now to taste some delicious wines! Prosecco, Rose, Zinfandel, Montepulciano, Cabernet, Rosso Family Blend, Dante, Sangiovese and Barbara are some of the varietals you will see at VJB. Even though T.W.O. enjoys all of the wines at VJB, their favorites are the Barbara and the Dante.

Gelateria

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After an afternoon of live music, pizza and some great Italian wine- why not end it with some gelato! The dark chocolate is phenomenal!!

IMG_1965*This photo was taken on a previous trip to VJB with more of our family!

Cheers to VJB Cellars and a T.W.O. favorite winery.  Thank you to the Belmonte Family for welcoming our family to your winery and making us feel like we are at home every time!

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