Holiday Baked Alaska

How to Make

• 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

• Step 8: Spread the prepared meringue working quickly spread over the cake and ice cream covering completely

• Step 9: Broil, rotating platter until meringue is lightly browned; watch carefully - takes about three minutes

• Step 10: Serve with the warmed fudge sauce