Juneau February 1 is National Baked Alaska Day?

When the U.S. purchased the Alaska territory in 1876, chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico's restaurant in New York City wanted a dessert to celebrate its acquisition. The French-born chef made an impressive omelette à la norvégienne (Norwegian omelet) and renamed it "Baked Alaska" for the occasion.

The seemingly science-defying Baked Alaska is made by baking ice cream inside cake and meringue.

Making Baked Alaska at home is a bit involved, but with some patience, you'll be left with quite an impressive dessert.

Ice cream is molded into a bowl or loaf pan and then covered with a layer of cake. The bowl is then placed in the freezer for an hour or so. After it's had time to set, the dome-shaped ice cream cake is easily removed from the bowl (because you remembered to line the bowl with plastic wrap, right?).The entire thing is covered in a layer of whipped egg whites and sugar, better known as meringue. A hot oven or blow torch slightly browns and sets the meringue, and voila -- Baked Alaska.

If you're feeling a little fancy, you can always pour a little alcohol over the Alaska and flambé it, just remember to keep the kids (and pets) clear of the flames.