Holiday Baked Alaska Recipe

"This show stopper from Canadian Living perfect for those occasions when a knock your socks off spectacular dessert is called for. Makes for an awesome dessert, perfect for that holiday meal and special celebrations. I was absolutely intimidated the first time making. Don't be - for most part it is one of those marvellous make aheads requiring only a quick assembly, the meringue to be made and a few minutes under the broiler. Served with that wonderful fudge sauce which just takes minutes to reheat, you have yourself one terrific dessert to be serving family and friends. All make ahead, add the meringue,a few minutes in the oven and on to wowing your guests."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Brownie Base, in mixing bowl with electric beater cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs one at a time beating smooth after each addition

Step 2

In bowl, measure out and combine flour, cocoa and salt and whisk to mix, stir in chopped walnuts; stir dry mix into butter mixture, mix until blended, pour into a well greased and lined 9 inch round pan

Step 3

Bake in a 350 degree oven 25 - 30 minutes, do not over bake; this can be made ahead covered and refrigerated up to 2 days, or freeze thawing before you assemble

Step 4

Ice cream mold,spoon softened ice cream into an 8 inch round bowl lined with plastic wrap, pack well, cover with plastic wrap until firm (2 hours) this can be made ahead and kept in freezer up to 2 days.

Step 5

Fudge sauce,combine all the ingredients for the fudge sauce into a sauce pan, whisk smooth and cook over low heat until hot and smooth; put in bowl or jar cover and refrigerate, heat before serving.

Step 6

Meringue Topping, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until forms soft peaks. Gradually add sugar and beat, add brandy; beat until glossy and stiff peaks form.

Step 7

Assembly, just before serving place cake base on oven proof platter, unmold ice cream onto brownie base and return to freezer while you make the meringue. Warm fudge sauce, I use the micro wave