Sans Rival

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line four 8x12-inch pans with parchment paper.

2. Beat egg whites in a glass or metal bowl until foamy; sprinkle with cream of tartar. Gradually add 2 cups white sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in 2 cups chopped cashews. Divide meringue between four pans; spread evenly to edges.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until light golden brown, 30 minutes. Remove meringues from the baking pans while still hot; let cool. When cool, trim edges so all 4 meringue layers uniformly shaped. Set aside.

4. Beat butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Whip egg yolks in a separate bowl until thick and lemon colored.

5. Meanwhile, combine remaining 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Heat to 270 to 290 degrees F (132 to 143 degrees C) or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard but pliable threads. Pour hot syrup in a thin stream into beaten egg yolks, while beating at high speed. Beat in whipped butter until buttercream smooth. Beat in rum.

6. Arrange 1 layer meringue on a serving plate; spread approximately 1/4 buttercream evenly to edges. Top with 1 more meringue layer; repeat spreading and topping with remaining buttercream and meringue layers, ending with buttercream. Smooth sides with spatula. Sprinkle top with remaining 2 cups chopped cashews. Freeze until solid. Cut 1 inch slices to serve frozen dessert.

Note

Almonds or hazelnuts can be used in this recipe instead of cashews, and the buttercream can be flavored with any flavor of liqueur, coffee powder, or fruit jam.