Baked Alaska, a decadent dessert consisting of cake, ice cream, and meringue, has been a staple of fine dining for over a century. While its origins are often attributed to the renowned Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, a lesser-known claim suggests that a US president may have played a role in its creation. In this article, we will delve into the history of Baked Alaska, exploring the possibility that a US president invented this beloved dessert.
A Brief History of Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is a dessert that typically consists of a layer of cake, a scoop of ice cream, and a thick layer of meringue. The meringue is toasted to a golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts with the cold, creamy ice cream. The dessert is often served at fine dining establishments and is a popular choice for special occasions.
The origins of Baked Alaska are often attributed to Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, which claims to have invented the dessert in 1876. According to the restaurant’s website, Baked Alaska was created by Charles Ranhofer, the restaurant’s chef at the time, to commemorate the newly acquired American territory of Alaska. The dessert quickly became a hit, and its popularity soon spread to other restaurants and households across the United States.
The Presidential Connection: Benjamin Harrison and the Invention of Baked Alaska
While Delmonico’s Restaurant is often credited with the invention of Baked Alaska, a lesser-known claim suggests that Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, may have played a role in its creation. According to some sources, Harrison, who was known for his love of fine dining and entertaining, hosted a dinner party at the White House in 1889, during which a dessert called “Baked Alaska” was served.
The story goes that Harrison’s chef, a French immigrant named Charles Elme Francatelli, created the dessert specifically for the dinner party. Francatelli, who had previously worked at Delmonico’s Restaurant, is said to have been inspired by the restaurant’s famous dessert, but with a few tweaks of his own. The dessert was a hit with Harrison’s guests, and soon, it was being served at dinner parties and restaurants across the country.
Francatelli’s Recipe: A Possible Connection to the Presidential Invention of Baked Alaska
While the story of Benjamin Harrison’s involvement in the invention of Baked Alaska is intriguing, it is worth noting that there is some evidence to support the claim. In his book, “The Cook’s Oracle,” Charles Elme Francatelli includes a recipe for a dessert called “Baked Alaska,” which consists of a layer of cake, a scoop of ice cream, and a thick layer of meringue. The recipe is similar to the one used by Delmonico’s Restaurant, but with a few key differences.
Francatelli’s recipe calls for the use of a specific type of cake, known as “genoise,” which is a type of Italian sponge cake. The recipe also includes a unique method for toasting the meringue, which involves using a blowtorch to create a crispy, caramelized exterior. These differences suggest that Francatelli may have indeed created his own version of Baked Alaska, which was served at the White House dinner party.
A Comparison of Recipes: Delmonico’s vs. Francatelli’s
To further explore the possibility that Benjamin Harrison invented Baked Alaska, it is worth comparing the recipes used by Delmonico’s Restaurant and Charles Elme Francatelli. While both recipes include the basic components of cake, ice cream, and meringue, there are some key differences.
| | Delmonico’s Recipe | Francatelli’s Recipe |
| — | — | — |
| Cake | Pound cake | Genoise (Italian sponge cake) |
| Ice Cream | Vanilla | Coffee or chocolate |
| Meringue | Toasted with a blowtorch | Toasted with a blowtorch, with a caramelized exterior |
As can be seen from the table above, the recipes used by Delmonico’s Restaurant and Charles Elme Francatelli have some key differences. While both recipes include the basic components of cake, ice cream, and meringue, the types of cake and ice cream used are different. Additionally, Francatelli’s recipe includes a unique method for toasting the meringue, which involves creating a crispy, caramelized exterior.
Conclusion: The Sweet Legacy of a US President
While the origins of Baked Alaska are often attributed to Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, the possibility that Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, may have played a role in its creation is an intriguing one. The story of Harrison’s involvement in the invention of Baked Alaska, as well as the recipe included in Charles Elme Francatelli’s book, suggest that the president may have indeed had a hand in creating this beloved dessert.
Regardless of who actually invented Baked Alaska, it is clear that the dessert has become a staple of fine dining in the United States. Its rich history and decadent ingredients have made it a popular choice for special occasions, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
In conclusion, the sweet legacy of Benjamin Harrison and the invention of Baked Alaska is a fascinating story that highlights the importance of food in American culture. Whether or not Harrison actually invented the dessert, his love of fine dining and entertaining has left a lasting impact on the culinary world.
What is Baked Alaska and how did it originate?
Baked Alaska is a dessert made from layers of cake, ice cream, and meringue, typically served at special occasions. The origins of Baked Alaska can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States. The dessert was named after the newly acquired American territory of Alaska, which was purchased from Russia in 1867.
The name “Baked Alaska” was likely chosen to commemorate this significant event in American history. The dessert quickly gained popularity in the United States and became a staple in many upscale restaurants and hotels. Its unique combination of hot and cold temperatures, achieved by baking the meringue in a hot oven while keeping the ice cream frozen, made it a fascinating and impressive dessert to serve.
Who is credited with inventing Baked Alaska?
Charles Ranhofer, a French-American chef, is often credited with inventing Baked Alaska in the late 19th century. Ranhofer was the head chef at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, a renowned establishment that was known for its innovative and exquisite cuisine. According to legend, Ranhofer created the dessert in 1876 to commemorate the newly acquired territory of Alaska.
Ranhofer’s original recipe for Baked Alaska consisted of a layer of cake, a scoop of ice cream, and a thick layer of meringue on top. The meringue was baked in a hot oven to create a golden-brown crust, while the ice cream remained frozen inside. Ranhofer’s creation was an instant success, and Baked Alaska quickly became a popular dessert throughout the United States.
What is the significance of Baked Alaska in American culinary history?
Baked Alaska holds a significant place in American culinary history as a symbol of innovation and creativity in the kitchen. The dessert was one of the first to combine hot and cold temperatures, making it a unique and impressive treat to serve. Baked Alaska also represented the growing influence of French cuisine on American cooking, as many French chefs, including Charles Ranhofer, were instrumental in shaping the country’s culinary landscape.
Baked Alaska’s popularity also coincided with the rise of upscale restaurants and hotels in the United States, which catered to the growing middle class and their desire for fine dining experiences. The dessert became a staple in many of these establishments, and its presence on menus helped to establish the reputation of restaurants and hotels as purveyors of fine cuisine.
How did Baked Alaska become associated with US presidents?
Baked Alaska became associated with US presidents due to its popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when many presidents were known to indulge in the dessert. One story behind this association is that President William Howard Taft, who served from 1909 to 1913, was particularly fond of Baked Alaska and often requested it at White House dinners.
Taft’s love of Baked Alaska helped to cement the dessert’s reputation as a presidential favorite, and it soon became a staple at White House functions and state dinners. Other presidents, including Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge, were also known to enjoy Baked Alaska, further solidifying its connection to the presidency.
What is the connection between Baked Alaska and the US president who inspired its creation?
The US president who inspired the creation of Baked Alaska is William H. Seward, who served as Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson and later under President Ulysses S. Grant. Seward was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, a move that was widely criticized at the time but ultimately proved to be a shrewd decision.
Charles Ranhofer, the chef who created Baked Alaska, was inspired by Seward’s achievement and named the dessert in honor of the newly acquired territory. The name “Baked Alaska” was meant to commemorate Seward’s role in expanding American territory and to celebrate the country’s growing influence on the world stage.
How has Baked Alaska evolved over time?
Baked Alaska has undergone significant changes over time, with various chefs and restaurants putting their own spin on the classic dessert. One of the most notable evolutions of Baked Alaska is the use of different types of cake and ice cream, such as pound cake, genoise, and rocky road ice cream. Some chefs have also experimented with unique flavor combinations, such as adding fruit or nuts to the meringue.
Despite these changes, the core elements of Baked Alaska have remained the same: a layer of cake, a scoop of ice cream, and a thick layer of meringue on top. The dessert’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the creativity of chefs who continue to innovate and experiment with new flavors and ingredients.
What is the cultural significance of Baked Alaska today?
Baked Alaska holds a special place in American culinary culture as a nostalgic dessert that evokes memories of special occasions and celebrations. The dessert’s unique combination of hot and cold temperatures, achieved by baking the meringue in a hot oven while keeping the ice cream frozen, continues to fascinate and impress diners.
Baked Alaska has also become a symbol of American ingenuity and creativity in the kitchen, reflecting the country’s melting pot of culinary influences and traditions. The dessert’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.