National Baked Alaska Day is celebrated on February 1 every year. The day is celebrated to encourage everyone to treat themselves to the tasty dessert made of ice cream, sponge cake, and meringue. Baked Alaska used to be known as ‘Alaska Florida’ in the beginning because of its contrast in temperature when it was first invented.
History of National Baked Alaska Day
National Baked Alaska Day encourages people to enjoy this delicious ice cream–top sponge-cake dessert.
It is prepared by placing slices of sponge cake at the bottom of a pie pan. Fill it with your favourite ice cream flavour covering it in a whipped meringue mixture, and bake for 3-10 minutes.
Baked Alaska is baked at a very high temperature of preferably 500°F in the oven. This allow the meringue to solidify slightly, and brown.
The story behind its creation goes back to 1867. During that time, there was a heated public debate over the agreement to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7 million by Secretary of State William Seward.
This led Chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico Restaurant in New York City to name new and old food after public figures, to capitalize on the controversy by introducing Baked Alaska to Delmonico’s menu.
Similarly, the frozen-hard ice cream topped with meringue on a base of warm sponge cake gives the dessert its distinct features of drastic temperature contrast.
In addition, serving cream and cake together dates back to the Renaissance. The cooks of the era were among the first to decorate their baked goods with a whipped topping.
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Timeline of National Baked Alaska Day
| 1867 (The U.S. Agrees to Buy Alaska) | Baked Alaska is invented to capitalize on the controversy that ensues after Secretary of State William Seward agrees to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7 million. |
| 1867 (It Is Named After Alaska) | Baked Alaska dessert is dubbed so by a chef at the famous Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City to celebrate Alaska’s annexation. |
| 1959 (Alaska Become a State in America) | Alaska’s statehood is confirmed when it was admitted into the Union. |
| 2005 (The World’s Largest Baked Alaska) | In 2005, Ben & Jerry’s created the world’s largest Baked Alaska, weighing 1,140 pounds and measuring 4 feet tall, to protest the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling. |
Five related recipes:
- Chocolate Raspberry Baked Alaska– This beloved meringue dessert will satisfy the chocolate lover in you.
- Meringues– Yolk-free whites help to make perfect meringues. Separating each egg carefully into a small bowl just before mixing them guarantees yolk-free whites for bakeshop-quality meringues every time. These crisp treats also travel well and make the best gifts too.
- Chocolate Meringue Stars with Raspberry Sauce– Meringues are probably the most inherently Pesach-friendly dessert you will find. We can take a year-round favourite, and not worry about making special adjustments. Mix in some cocoa powder and serve with a dipping sauce which is made from jam and lemon juice. Elevate these meringues into a fantastic finish for your holiday meal.
- Indian River Grapefruit Meringue Cake– It is a stunning as well as a light and delicious dessert with fabulous grapefruit flavour in each of its three layers.
- Frozen Raspberry Pie – This creamy, delicious pie is made by mixing a fluffy cooked meringue with a raspberry puree, then pouring it into a chocolate cookie crust.
Six Interesting Facts About Bakes Alaska
- Variations and Names: Baked Alaska is also known as “Omelette Norvégienne” (Norwegian omelette) and “Omelette Surprise.” These names represent the dessert’s cold interior and warm exterior. This symbolized the contrast between the chilly Alaskan climate and warmer regions.
- The key ingredient: Benjamin Thompson, an American physicist discovered the meringue which gives Baked Alaska its distinct features of a contrasting hot top layer and cold base.
- It was first named Alaska Florida: Baked Alaska was originally called Alaska Florida when it was first created by Chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico’s restaurant, in New York City.
- Culinary Significance: Baked Alaska highlights a notable culinary method where the meringue works as an insulator, preventing the ice cream from melting despite being exposed to high heat. Because of this distinct quality, it has become a popular choice for special occasions and an impressive dessert to serve.
- Cultural Impact: Do you know, that Ben & Jerry’s made a massive Baked Alaska in 2005? They made Baked Alaska weighing 1140 pounds for their “Lick Global Warming” campaign. This highlights both the dessert’s cultural significance and environmental issues related to climate change.
- Composition and Cooking Method: It is prepared by placing slices of sponge cake at the bottom of a pie pan. Fill it with your favourite ice cream flavour covering it in a whipped meringue mixture, and bake for 3-10 minutes. It is baked at a very high temperature of preferably 500°F in the oven. This allows the meringue to solidify slightly, and brown.
Conclusion
National Baked Alaska Day is observed on February 1. The day celebrates a unique delicious dessert that mixes the warmth of baked meringue with the chill of ice cream. This day encourages people to enjoy the deliciousness of Baked Alaska. It also honours its rich history, dating back to the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia. The dessert made by Chef Charles Ranhofer at Delmonico’s Restaurant highlights the clever interplay of temperature contrasts that define its appeal.
If you are planning to celebrate this delightful occasion, try baking your own Baked Alaska or enjoying it at a local restaurant. This dessert serves as a reminder of culinary creativity and the pleasure of sharing memorable experiences with friends and family. Celebrate National Baked Alaska Day by embracing the flavours and stories behind this iconic treat to inspire your celebration.
Frequently Ask Question
What does baked Alaska taste like?
After the first taste of Baked Alaska, many food lovers became instant fan. The combination of slightly chewy meringue, ice cream and soft pound cake was all my favourite dessert sensations in one.
Is baked Alaska crunchy?
No, Baked Alaska is not crunchy. It is browned in a hot and fast oven; a crunchy result is just not possible.
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