Snowflake Walnut Pie

Prepare Praline: Coat baking sheet with oil; set aside.

In 2-quart saucepan combine sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil; cook over medium heat, swirling pan occasionally until mixture begins to color. Continue to cook over medium heat, watching closely, just until mixture is medium amber, (340°F / 170°C on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat. Stir in walnuts and pour onto baking sheet. Set aside; cool completely to harden.

Break up into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Grind coarsely in electric blender or food processor, pulsing motor on and off. If not using immediately, place in airtight container.

Prepare crust and filling: Slice cake 1/4 inch thick. Completely line bottom and sides of 9-inch metal pie pan with cake, cutting slices as needed to line surface completely.

Soften ice cream slightly. In large bowl, beat with electric mixer just until smooth and creamy. Quickly fold in the ground praline. Place in freezer to harden slightly.

Fill pie pan with ice cream mixture, smoothing and mounding top. Freeze until firm, up to 3 days, covered.

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).

In large bowl beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and beat to form soft peaks. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks. Spread top of frozen pie with a layer of meringue, covering ice cream and crust completely. Using a pastry bag with a large tip, pipe the remaining meringue decoratively on top of pie, or dollop onto pie and swirl with the back of spoon. Immediately place in center of oven and bake 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Place in freezer; freeze at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

To serve, garnish with Candied Walnuts; cut into wedges with knife dipped in water. Pass Coffee Sauce separately.