Baked Alaska

Bombe Alaska, Shashlik Restaurant, Singapore - 20140125

Flame on the iceberg

Baked Alaska at Downtown Grille in NC

Baked Alaska (5097717743)

Baked Alaska is a dessert consisting of ice cream and cake topped with browned meringue. The dish is known for its contrast between the hot meringue outside and the cold ice cream inside. The origin of Baked Alaska is often attributed to the United States, with some stories suggesting it was created in 1867 to celebrate the purchase of Alaska from Russia. However, similar desserts have been noted in Europe prior to this date.

History

The concept of Baked Alaska dates back to the early 19th century when French chefs began experimenting with the idea of serving hot and cold desserts together. The dessert was popularized in America by Charles Ranhofer, the chef at Delmonico's Restaurant in New York, who is credited with naming it "Baked Alaska" in honor of the newly acquired territory of Alaska. The dessert's creation is often linked to the development of meringue as a culinary technique, which allowed chefs to insulate the ice cream with a layer of whipped egg whites and sugar before briefly baking it.

Preparation

The preparation of Baked Alaska involves several steps. First, a layer of cake is placed in a mold, followed by a layer of ice cream. The ice cream must be very cold to prevent it from melting too quickly when the meringue is baked. The entire assembly is then frozen until it is firm. Before serving, the dessert is covered with meringue, a mixture of whipped egg whites and sugar, which acts as an insulator and prevents the ice cream from melting. The meringue is then browned quickly under a broiler or with a blowtorch. The high heat causes the meringue to cook rapidly on the outside while insulating the ice cream inside.

Variations

There are many variations of Baked Alaska, including individual servings known as "mini Baked Alaskas" and versions that incorporate different flavors of ice cream and cake. Some chefs add fruit or chocolate sauces, while others infuse the meringue with flavors such as lemon or vanilla. The dessert can also be prepared using a sponge cake or brownie base instead of the traditional white cake.

Cultural Significance

Baked Alaska has become a symbol of culinary extravagance and creativity. It is often served on special occasions and is a popular choice on cruise ships and in fine dining restaurants. The dessert's dramatic presentation, involving the flambéing of the meringue at the table, adds to its allure.

See Also

• Dessert
• Ice Cream
• Meringue
• Charles Ranhofer
• Delmonico's Restaurant