Latest news with #BenjaminThompson
Spectator
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
The gobsmacking brilliance of baked Alaska
I have never seen a baked Alaska in the wild. Have you? I knew what they looked like, of course, all meringue cheekbones and technicolor interior, but I haven't actually come across one. For whatever reason, they seem to be an endangered species – so I took to making them myself. The pudding was invented in the 18th century by Sir Benjamin Thompson (also known as Count von Rumford), a physicist who invented the double boiler, the modern kitchen range and thermal underwear too. Thompson realised that the tiny bubbles created when you aerate egg whites to make meringue provided so much insulation that you could torch the meringue and leave ice cream intact, unmelted, beneath. But the name came later: in 1876, New York restaurant Delmonico's chef Charles Ranhofer made a version of the pudding to celebrate the US's acquisition of Alaska, and named it 'Alaska, Florida', a nod to the hot-cold contrast of the pudding and states. It quickly became known as baked Alaska. Ranhofer's baked Alaska was made up of banana ice cream, walnut spice cake and toasted meringue, and commanded a hefty price tag – the equivalent of £30 today. I read a recipe for baked Alaska recently which described it as 'deceptively simple', which made me laugh out loud. Let me be clear: baked Alaska is not simple, deceptively or otherwise. It's a project. Granted, nothing that baked Alaska requires of you is particularly difficult, and it can be broken down into stages – I make mine across three days, fitting it in around real life – but let's not pretend that a pudding that requires a meringue, a baked cake, moulded ice cream and actual fire is simple.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Wisconsin authorities warn high school students about ‘Nerf Wars' dangers
JANESVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in southern Wisconsin are urging high school students to exercise caution while participating in 'Nerf Wars.' The Janesville Police Department has recently received complaints regarding the annual Nerf War games played by high school students in the community. While these activities may seem harmless, officials warn they have led to incidents involving traffic accidents, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and public nudity. UPDATE: Armed man near Menasha High School taken into custody, brief lockdown More recently, reports have surfaced of participants entering homes that do not belong to them, sometimes while carrying Nerf guns that could be mistaken for real weapons. These actions have led to confrontations between participants and residents, creating unnecessary fear and potential danger. 'We want to remind everyone that these behaviors pose serious risks,' said Janesville Police Sgt. Benjamin Thompson. 'A Nerf gun, though intended for play, could be misinterpreted as a real weapon, potentially leading to dangerous situations, panic, or law enforcement intervention.' Authorities warn that any illegal activity associated with these games, such as trespassing or disorderly conduct, will be investigated and could result in legal consequences. Wisconsin authorities investigate death after man found at bottom of stairwell 'We encourage parents to talk with their children about responsible behavior and the potential dangers of these activities,' Thompson added. 'Students, please be mindful of your actions, respect private property, and avoid situations that could cause alarm or confusion.' Anyone who witnesses suspicious or concerning behavior is urged to report it to the Rock County Communications Center at 608-757-2244. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
