Floating Island Recipe

The Floating Island is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to France in the 17th century. This light and delicate dessert is often served on special occasions or as a luxurious treat.

Fun fact: The name "Floating Island" comes from the way the dessert is presented. The creamy custard is topped with fluffy meringue islands that appear to be floating on a sea of delicious sauce.

To make this delectable Floating Island dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 quart of milk
- 3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate or 9 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Here are the steps to prepare the Floating Island:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, sugar, salt, and cocoa (if using) together with a little cold milk. Stir until well combined and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, pour the remainder of the milk and add the unsweetened chocolate pieces (or cocoa if using). Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the milk to scald while stirring occasionally. Scalding the milk means heating it just below boiling point.

3. Once the chocolate has completely melted and dissolved in the milk, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously. This will prevent lumps from forming.

4. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and becomes smooth. This will take about 5-7 minutes, and it's crucial to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning.

5. Once the custard has thickened, place the saucepan over a pot of hot water, creating a double boiler. This will help cook the custard further without direct heat. Cook the custard for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the custard.

7. Prepare a mold by wetting it with cold water. This will make it easier to unmold the dessert later. Pour the custard into the mold and ensure it is evenly distributed.

8. Place the mold in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours or until completely set.

9. Once the Floating Island is chilled and set, carefully unmold it onto a serving platter. The custard should easily slide out of the mold.

10. To enhance the dessert, serve it cold with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top. The contrast between the creamy custard and the light, airy meringue is simply delightful.

Now that your Floating Island is ready to be enjoyed, you can sit back and relish in its decadence. Share this delightful dessert with your loved ones and impress them with your culinary skills.

Similar to the Floating Island, there are other desserts that feature a combination of creamy custard and meringue. One such dessert is the classic French dessert called "Île Flottante," which translates to "Floating Island." This dessert is very similar to the Floating Island, with the main difference being the absence of chocolate in the custard. Instead, the Île Flottante custard is flavored with vanilla.

Another dessert that shares similarities is the Italian "Zuppa Inglese," which also features layers of creamy custard and ladyfingers soaked in liqueur. The custard in Zuppa Inglese is commonly flavored with rum, coffee, or chocolate.

Both of these desserts are equally delicious and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. So, if you enjoyed the Floating Island, be sure to give these other desserts a try as well.