What is the dessert known as Baked Alaska and how it made?

Baked Alaska is a dramatic and impressive dessert that's a showstopper at any gathering. Here's how it's made:

What it is:

* The base: A cake, often sponge cake or pound cake, is the foundation.

* The heart: Ice cream, typically vanilla, is layered onto the cake.

* The protective shield: This is where the magic happens! The ice cream is completely covered in a meringue (whipped egg whites).

* The grand finale: The meringue-covered ice cream and cake are then baked, briefly and at very high heat, which creates a crispy, golden-brown meringue crust. The interior remains frozen, creating a delicious contrast of textures and temperatures.

How to make it:

1. Prepare the cake: Bake your chosen cake and allow it to cool completely.

2. Assemble the ice cream: Place scoops of ice cream on top of the cake, spreading it evenly.

3. Make the meringue: Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy.

4. Cover the ice cream: Carefully spoon or pipe the meringue over the ice cream, completely covering it. Make sure to seal the meringue around the edges of the cake.

5. Bake: Place the Baked Alaska in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for just 1-2 minutes. The meringue should turn golden brown and slightly crispy.

6. Serve: Immediately serve the Baked Alaska while the meringue is still hot and the ice cream is cold.

Tips:

* Frozen cake: You can freeze the cake before assembling the dessert for easier handling.

* Flavor variations: Get creative with different cake flavors, ice cream flavors, and toppings.

* Safety: Use a very high heat to quickly bake the meringue, as it's important to minimize the time the ice cream is exposed to heat.

Baked Alaska is a fun and challenging dessert to make, but the results are well worth the effort. The combination of warm, crispy meringue and cold, creamy ice cream is truly unforgettable!