McVities Icebox Mess

Step 1

1 Combine the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar in the chilled bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a balloon-whisk attachment, or use a handheld electric mixer; beat on medium speed for a few minutes, to form soft peaks

Step 2

2 Stop to add the whipped cream cheese and espresso (to taste) or the tiramisu-flavored mascarpone; beat on low speed just until incorporated

Step 3

3 The mixture should be firm enough so that a tableware spoon inserted into it can stand upright on its own

Step 4

4 Line the loaf pan with plastic wrap, making sure there is enough wrap hanging over the sides (so you will be able to close it over the top)

Step 5

5 Spread half the whipped cream mixture in the pan

Step 6

6 Then, insert the biscuits (cookies) about 1/4 inch apart, standing them upright so their top halves are exposed

Step 7

7 Drizzle the pomegranate molasses evenly over the surface of the whipped cream mixture (with the cookies standing in a row in it)

Step 8

8 Then fill the pan with the remaining mixture, doing it gently enough so the biscuits stay in place

Step 9

9 You should have enough of the mixture to cover the cookies; they will start to sink in after a few minutes, which will make the covering easier

Step 10

10 Fold over the plastic wrap so the loaf is sealed

Step 11

11 Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and chill through

Step 12

12 When ready to serve, open the plastic wrap at the top

Step 13

13 Invert a serving platter over the torte; holding both together tightly, invert so the torte is positioned upside down on the platter

Step 14

14 Discard the plastic wrap

Step 15

15 Decorate with the white chocolate curls and/or red currants, if desired

Step 16

16 Serve chilled

Step 17

17 NOTE: To make the white chocolate curls, let a thin, 3- or 4-ounce bar of white chocolate come to room temperature

Step 18

18 Pull a vegetable peeler along one of the bar's thin sides using steady pressure; this will create curls

Step 19

19 Repeat as needed

Step 20

20 (If some of them shred, that's okay, too

Step 21

21 )