Ingredients

  • 3 cups chocolate mousse, recipe follows
  • 1/2 cup coffee liqueur
  • 1 regular sized pound cake or angel food cake
  • 2 cups favorite vanilla ice cream
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, leaves removed, sliced
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons water, plus 3 tablespoons
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons sugar, plus 4 tablespoons
  • 3 egg whites (best whipped at room temperature)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Method

  • In a 2-quart bowl, fold the coffee liqueur into the chocolate mousse.
  • Slice the cake into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  • Line a 3-quart stainless steel mixing bowl with plastic wrap.
  • Line the inside of the 3-quart plastic-lined bowl with one layer of the sliced cake.
  • Then spread a layer of the chocolate mousse on the sliced cake.
  • Then place a layer of the sliced strawberries on the chocolate mousse.
  • Then layer a spoonful of soft ice cream.
  • Keep repeating the layers until the bowl is filled to the top.
  • Wrap the top of the bowl with plastic and freeze for 45 minutes to an hour, until the mousse has set.
  • When you are ready to serve, make the meringue by whisking the egg whites.
  • When the egg whites are half way whipped, begin to rain in the sugar.
  • Keep mixing until whites form a soft peak.
  • To unmold the layered cake, remove the top piece of plastic wrap.
  • Place the serving plate upside down on the top of the bowl.
  • Flip and remove the bowl.
  • Remove the plastic that lined the bowl and spread the meringue over the whole exposed cake layer.
  • Use a blowtorch to caramelize the meringue to a light golden color.
  • Slice the dessert in wedges like a pie and serve.
  • In a stainless steel bowl over a double boiler, melt together the chocolate, butter, vanilla, and the 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Remove from heat when melted.
  • In a separate stainless steel bowl over a double boiler, whisk together the egg yolks, the 3 tablespoons of water and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
  • Whisk until it thickens and doubles in size.
  • Be sure to not let the egg yolks cook onto the sides of the bowl.
  • You must constantly stir the egg yolk mixture when the bowl is placed over heat.
  • Place the egg yolk mixture bowl in a ice water bath to cool, and bring down mixture to room temperature.
  • Once it is cooled, fold the egg yolk mixture into the chocolate mixture.
  • In a third bowl, whisk the egg whites, cream of tartar, and the 4 tablespoons of sugar together until stiff peaks form.
  • Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
  • Be careful to not overmix the mixture and break down the fluffiness of the peaks.
  • In a fourth bowl, whisk the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  • Fold the whipped heavy cream into the chocolate mixture, again being careful to not over mix and break down the whipped ingredients.
  • Refrigerate for an hour before use.
  • Propane Gas Torch Warning: Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat or flame, and should not be exposed to prolonged sunlight.
  • Propane gas torches should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
  • When lighting a propane gas torch, place the torch on a flat, steady surface, facing away from you.
  • Light the match or lighter and then open the gas valve.
  • Light the gas jet, and blow out the match.
  • Always turn off the burner valve to "finger tight" when finished using the torch.
  • Children should never use a propane gas torch without adult supervision.