Cathy's Holiday Baked Alaska

This canadian living recipe perfect for those occasions when a spectacular dessert is called for. Makes for an awesome dessert. Good any time but a perfect dessert for that holiday meal. 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. I rather suspect you could use a brownie mix if pressed for time.

Steps

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.

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.

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 , it also freezes well.

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 this can be made ahead and kept in freezer up to 2 days.

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.

Meringue topping - beat egg whites and cream of tartar until forms soft peaks.

Gradu.

Ingredients

butter, granulated sugar, eggs, cake flour, cocoa, salt, walnuts, vanilla, strawberry ice cream, fudge sauce, icing sugar, brandy, instant coffee granules, boiling water, egg whites, cream of tartar, white sugar, brown sugar