Day 15 At Sea and In The Kitchen

Today as we continue our way up North I spent a little time in the kitchen. Its amazing what all they do in a very small space. I Thought you might be interested in a few culinary facts. Each day they wash approximately 5000 glasses, 7000 dessert plates and 3000 dinner plates. They are very conscientious of the environment so even the dishwashing machines are equipped to capture food particles and then burn them as waster sonothing goes back into the seas. As I walked thru the pastry area I was amazed at what they could good with bread. An you want to talk about food! Here are some food stats: 8500 lbs of meat, 4000 lbs of chicken, 2000 lbs of fish will all be consumed in the course our week together not to mention 200 gallons of ice cream, 2500 lbs of butter and 1200 lbs of vegetables. You can imagine how busy the kitchen staff are daily.

And now for your culinary enjoyment I am going to share the recipe for what you always have every day here --- Baked Alaska, It really quite easy so try it and enjoy and keep me in mind as you create this wonderful light dessert!

No so Classic baled Alaska WITH Cherries Jubilee sauce
Serves 9-10

Makes the sauce first. You also can freeze it and save it for later use.
CJSauce
½ c white sugar 2tbsp cornstarch 1/3 c water ¼ c orange juice
2 lbs cherries (pitted of course) 1 10oz jar of bing cherries ½ tsp grated orange zest
¼ c kirsch or high quality brandy

Wisk together the sugar, cornstarch, water and OJ in a wide sauce pan. Bring o boil over medium heat. Stir in the cherries and orange zest and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Remove and when ready to serve add in the brandy and light. Serve over the Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska
Large Brownie Favorite Ice cream Meringue

Place one brownie at the center of a serving dish. Mound ice cream on top. Using a pastry bag or a zip lock bag build a meringue mountain on top of brownie and ice cream. Keep in freezer till ready to serve. If you don’t like chocolate you can substitute your favorite cookie instead.

Meringue
6 large eggs whites Make sure they have no yoke in them
¼ tsp fresh lemon juice
¾ c sugar
Beat the egg whites and add a pinch of salt until foamy.. Gradually add the sugar as you are whipping until the meringue forms peaks. You know the meringue is right when you can turn the bowl upside down over your head and nothing falls out

Baled in a 450 degree oven till golden brown or use a camping blow torch and turn the meringue golden brown.

Pour the cherries on top of and along side of the meringue. Heat the brandy, ignite it and pour over the cherries and meringue and you have a fantastic creation for dessert.

Note: For the record baked Alaska is not an Alaskan creation. It was created by a chef in NYC to celebrate Alaska’s joing the Unites States. Enjoy, Miss you all!!