Charlotte Ruge

Not sure of the spelling,but in the 50's my mom found us a dessert, she said was from her childhood--served in a round cardboard cup,it had pound cake, and I remember whipped cream and I believe you pushed it up from the bottom of the cardboard container. Anyone ever heard of this old-time treat? How was it made? Is it still available anywhere?

Lee,it's called CHARLOTTE RUSSE...I make it every Christmas

Thanks,igdiva,

but how is it made?

I believe true Charlotte Russe is an old classic dessert, something similar to a trifle. It's a stiff egg custard sometimes flavored with sherry set in a mold of sponge cake or lady fingers.

However, there are various American confections that take the basic concept and spin it into a more common treat. Do a search on Google and you'll see a number of variations, apparently one that is or was a Brooklyn favorite, maybe what you're looking for.

My dad, born in Brooklyn in the 20's, spoke lovingly of the charlotte russe as his favorite chidhood treat.
That list grew to include the knoblewurst from KATZ'S; anything at SLOPPY LOUIE'S; the fried clams & calamari from our local fishmonger; and the strawberry shortcake my mom always made on his birthday.
Ron

Lee,here is the recipe that I love to use...Except,I brush the ladyfingers with some good bourbon before I put them in the springform pan...I hope that this helps...!

MISS SUSAN'S "NEVER FAIL" CHARLOTTE RUSSE

1 env. unflavored gelatin
1/4 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. milk
2 beaten egg yolks
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 egg whites, beaten stiff
1 pt. heavy cream, whipped
1 pkg. ladyfingers
Maraschino cherries

Soak the gelatin in the water. Combine the sugar, milk and egg yolks and cook to a custard sauce. Add the water/gelatin to the custard. When the mixture is cold and beginning to stiffen, add the vanilla, beaten egg whites, and the whipped cream.
Line the bottom and sides of a serving dish (or a springform pan with a removable bottom) with the ladyfingers and pour in the Charlotte Russe mixture. Chill until firm. Decorate with maraschino cherries.

This is an interesting thread....I've never heard of the dessert...but there is a chain of stores here on the east coast that carry women's clothing called Charlotte Russe!

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16574&SearchTerms=charlotte

With photos....