This dessert with its prickly-looking exterior and fluffy, sugary interior is the perfect addition to Sarah Palin's repertoire. It's easy and takes no time to make. If you're brave, you can try pouring flaming brandy over it when it's ready to serve. Use your favourite ice cream flavours in the recipe.

1/2 pint vanilla ice cream, softened

1/2 pint raspberry ice cream, softened

1 sponge cake or brownies (to cover a 7-inch round base)

4 egg whites

Pinch salt

3/4 cup sugar

Line a small metal bowl (with a diameter of about 7 inches) with plastic wrap. Spread a thick layer of vanilla ice cream over the bottom of the bowl. Add a layer of raspberry. Place the sponge cake or brownies on top of the ice cream (you may have to cut for size). Cover bowl and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.

Beat together egg whites and salt until frothy, then continue to beat in sugar slowly until egg whites form a thick, glossy meringue. It should look like thick shaving cream.

Preheat oven to 450 F. (or you can freeze until needed.) Remove mould from freezer and invert it onto an 8-inch flan pan base or ovenproof plate. Place pan on a baking sheet. Spoon meringue over cake and ice cream until completely covered. Use a spoon to make decorative swirls and peaks in the meringue.

Place dessert into oven and bake for 2 to 5 minutes or until peaks are browned. Transfer the dessert with base onto a serving plate and serve immediately. Use a hot knife to slice. Serves 6 to 8.