YWPWT: Vacation Pies

In July 2001, my older daughter and I took a special vacation together, a Mother-Daughter Girl Trip . It hardly seems possible that it was really 8 years ago! We flew from Los Angeles to Seattle, rented a car, and drove to Vancouver, BC, doing a bit of sightseeing along the way. I was in familiar territory, having grown up near Seattle, but it was new for Emma.

Our ultimate destination, though, was Alaska -- Alaska via cruise ship. Neither one of us had ever been to Alaska before, or had ever been on a cruise, but because my daughter worked for a cruise line, we had an opportunity to have a new and unforgettable experience.

Since that trip, both of us have continued to cruise. In fact, we'll be going on a cruise together, once again, in a little over a month. It will seem like old times!

So, in honor of that memorable vacation, I have made Baked Alaska Pie. It's quite simple really.

First, you make some homemade ice cream.

Blue:




Red/pink:



And white.

The colors, red, white, and blue, celebrate the Labor Day holiday. The ice cream represents Alaska and summer time. You can use store-bought ice cream, of course, but homemade is so much more fun! I used manufacturing cream for my base, with just sugar and flavoring. Simple and rich.

And, yes, I do indeed have 3 ice cream makers, collected over many years.

Next comes the pie crust, pre-baked and cooled.


When the ice cream is firm, but not too hard, place scoops of alternating colors in the pie crust. Place in the freezer for about 2 hours. (Oops -- I almost forgot to document it before covering with meringue.)



Make a meringue using 3 egg whites, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 6 tablespoons sugar. Beat well until it is stiff but still glossy, then top the pie.


Either place the pie into a 475F oven until the meringue browns, or use a torch, which I did. Then place the pie into the freezer for a thorough chill.


Who knew that meringue would freeze well? That is what I learned from this pie.


Each slice is a surprise, since you never know which color combination will appear.




My daughter thought this pie was weird, but delicious. I guess that's a thumbs up.


Eating a piece of Baked Alaska Pie reminds me of my first cruise and the special time I had with my daughter. Thanks to Jenn at Piccante Dolce for a thought-provoking theme. I bet the other pies and their stories will be interesting as well, so please do stop by You Want Pies With That? to find out.