Alton Brown’s Party Baked Alaska Involves A Ridiculously Large Torch
Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests at your next party? Look no further! Alton Brown, the renowned American chef and television personality, has created a masterpiece called the Party Baked Alaska. This extravagant dessert not only tastes incredible but also involves the use of a ridiculously large torch, adding a touch of excitement to the presentation. Let’s dive into the details of this unique dessert and find out how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
What is Baked Alaska?
Before we delve into Alton Brown’s version of this classic dessert, let’s understand what Baked Alaska actually is. Baked Alaska, also known as omelette à la norvégienne, is a dessert that consists of ice cream and sponge cake all enveloped in a layer of meringue. The dessert is then baked very quickly in a hot oven or, as in Alton Brown’s case, torched until the meringue turns golden brown.
Alton Brown’s Twist on Baked Alaska
Alton Brown, famous for his scientific approach to cooking, has put his own spin on the traditional Baked Alaska recipe. He takes it to the next level by intensifying the flavors and adding a flamboyant touch with the use of a giant torch. Instead of using store-bought cake and ice cream, Alton Brown insists on making everything from scratch, putting his culinary skills to the test.
Building the Base
For the base of the Party Baked Alaska, Alton Brown instructs us to create a buttery pound cake. He provides a detailed recipe, complete with precise measurements and step-by-step instructions. While this may be time-consuming, it ensures that every element of the dessert is perfectly balanced.
The Ice Cream Filling
No Baked Alaska is complete without a luscious layer of ice cream. Alton Brown suggests making your own ice cream filling to ensure the flavors complement the cake and meringue. He provides a variety of flavor options, from classic vanilla to experimental creations like lavender-infused or mint chocolate chip.
Torching the Meringue
Now, comes the highlight of Alton Brown’s Party Baked Alaska – the use of a ridiculously large torch. While many recipes suggest briefly baking the dessert in a hot oven, Alton Brown takes things up a notch by using a powerful culinary torch. This adds a dramatic effect to the dessert and gives it an irresistible caramelized flavor. Just be cautious when operating the torch and maintain a safe distance from the dessert.
Impressing Your Guests
Once you have perfected Alton Brown’s Party Baked Alaska, it’s time to present it with flair. Bring the dessert to the table, with the meringue glistening under the torch’s fire, and watch as your guests’ eyes widen with anticipation. This dessert is not only delicious but also a visual spectacle that will leave everyone in awe of your culinary skills.
In conclusion
Alton Brown’s Party Baked Alaska is a dessert that takes the classic recipe to new heights. By making everything from scratch and introducing a ridiculously large torch into the equation, Brown adds a touch of excitement and showmanship to this already impressive dessert. So, the next time you have a party and want to truly wow your guests, give Alton Brown’s Party Baked Alaska a try. It’s a dessert that combines flavor, technique, and spectacle into one unforgettable culinary experience.
*Source www.foodrepublic.com
