BROWNIE BAKED ALASKA

Brownie Baked Alaska image

Kids of all ages are impressed when I slice into this sweet treat. No one can resist the combination of brownies and two kinds of ice cream with a light meringue topping. This cool and chocolaty dessert looks like I fussed, when really, it's pretty easy to put together.-Spy Hill Public Library, Carol Twardzik, Spy Hill, Saskatchewan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts, optional
1 quart strawberry ice cream, slightly softened
1 quart vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
MERINGUE:
5 egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually stir into chocolate mixture. Stir in nuts if desired. , Spread into a greased 9-in. round baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake). Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. , Meanwhile, line an 8-in. or 9-in. round bowl (1-1/2-qts.) with foil. Quickly spread strawberry ice cream over bottom and up sides of bowl, leaving center hollow; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. Pack vanilla ice cream into center; cover and freeze. , To assemble, place the brownie base on a 10-in. ovenproof serving plate. Unmold ice cream onto brownie. Return to freezer while preparing meringue. , In a heavy saucepan or double boiler over simmering water, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar. Heat over low heat while beating egg white mixture with a portable mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping down sides of bowl. Continue beating until mixture reaches 160°. Remove from the heat. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form., Quickly spread over ice cream and brownie. Bake at 500° for 2-5 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. (Or return to freezer until ready to bake.) Transfer to a serving plate; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427 calories, Fat 20g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 211mg sodium, Carbohydrate 58g carbohydrate (35g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.