When the temperature is particularly frigid, only the promise of a cup of this steaming hot spiced coffee will get me up the mountain for a day of skiing. Fortunately, it is just as inviting on a damp rainy day!

　　

Ingredients

4 servings

　　1 cup granulated sugar

　　1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

　　1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting

　　1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

　　1 cup boiling water

　　1 cup brewed espresso

　　1 cup heavy cream

　　2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

　　

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce the heat to low. Add the allspice, cinnamon, and ginger and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and set aside.

　　

Step 2

In a heat-proof pitcher or measuring cup, add the boiling water to the espresso, then divide it among four 6- to 8-ounce cups. Add 2 tablespoons of the spiced syrup to each cup and stir to combine.

　　

Step 3

Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until stiff. Top each cup of espresso with a dollop of whipped cream. Dust with cinnamon and serve.

　　Reprinted with permission from Giada's Kitchen: New Italian Favorites by Giada De Laurentiis. Copyright © 2008 by Giada De Laurentiis. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Giada De Laurentiis is the star of Food Network's Everyday Italian and Behind the Bash. She attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and then worked in a variety of Los Angeles restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck's Spago, before starting her own catering and private-chef company, GDL Foods. The granddaughter of movie producer Dino De Laurentiis, Giada was born in Rome and grew up in Los Angeles, where she now lives.