Baked Alaska

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Slice the dessert in wedges like a pie and serve.

Chocolate Mousse:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.