Perfect Meringue for Baked Alaska

Ingredients

• 2 pints super-premium co ee ice cream 1 round Cake Layer (recipe follows), or store-bought 10-inch single layer cake 
• 2–3 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
• 4 large egg whites, room temperature 
• Large pinch fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon best-quality vanilla extract 
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling