Charlotte Sometimes

"B-movie queens and minor aristocrats . . . "

and so opens Rufus Wainwright's specially commissioned "jingle" for the launch of Viktor and Rolf's men's fragrance, Antidote. The combined florid sensibilities of the three gentlemen could not be a better, or more opulent, match. In a spirit inspired by the song and the event launch in Paris (captured here for those of us unable to attend) we propose an Old World dessert fit for the musty glamour Rufus alludes to in his evocative lyrics. We think it would make a swell finale to a Fassbinder-themed dinner, served with coffee and cordials by the guest most resembling Veronika Voss or Petra Van Kant.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE

1 envelope gelatin / 1/4 cup cold water / 1/3 cup sugar / 1/2 cup milk, whole please / about 2 t. vanilla or slightly less / 1 cup heavy cream / sponge cake, bought in any bakery and sliced about 1/2 inch thick

1. Sprinkle the gelatin over water and walk away.


2. Now mix sugar and milk in a saucepan and after 5 minutes and gelatin and water.


3. Cook over medium heat, stirring until all is dissolved. Remove from stove and add vanilla.


4. Chill until thick, then beat till fluffy.


5. Whip the cream into peaks then fold into gelatin mixture.


6. Line a 1 and 1/2 quart mold with slices of the cake. Spoon in the filling and tap until an even top is created.


7. Chill until quite firm, unmold CAREFULLY and serve.