Is baked Alaska set on fire or baked?

Here's how it works:

* The base: The cake or ice cream base is baked in the oven.

* The meringue: A meringue shell is made and placed over the frozen cake or ice cream.

* The fire: Right before serving, the meringue is torched with a blowtorch or flambéed with liquor. This caramelizes the meringue, creating a dramatic visual effect.

The fire is only for show and doesn't actually "bake" the meringue. It's just a final touch to add a little flair.