So you really want to impress your friends with your culinary skills.  You want to wow them with a special dessert. Well there is just no substitute for the real show stopper—Baked Alaska.  And the good news is that it is not hard to make!  Here is a list of ingredients needed:

• 2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 8 egg whites
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar

Your prep time is just under a half an hour and approximately forty to fifty minutes to bake. But you must remember that an additional 11 hours is required for “freezing time” which discussed below.

Using either an 8-inch round mixing bowl or a deep 8-inch square container, line with foil. Add ice cream into container, and pack firmly. You must freeze ice cream for 8 to 9 hours.   When you are ready, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8×8 inch pan. Add vanilla or almond flavoring and egg to your cake mix and then pour your mixture into the pan. Bake according to instructions. You are now ready to beat egg whites with cream of tartar, salt, and sugar until you have stiff peaks forming.  Now line a baking sheet with parchment and center your cake unto  the sheet. Your molded ice cream is now turned out on top of your cake and you are ready to spread meringue over the cake and ice cream. Remember to spread mixture all the way down to the paper forming a seal. Return to freezer for approximately 2 hours. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Your Baked Alaska goes on the lowest shelf for 8 to 10 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Always keep an eye on the meringue while it is in the oven. It is very easy to burn. A brandy can be poured over the desert and lit just before serving. What a lovely glow!  Present your wonderful creation at once. Serving with a fruit  compote is optional. Also many recipes are available on-line. This really is a show stopper!