Dish

Peach Melba

Peach Melba is made by poaching fresh peaches in a sugar syrup and serving them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dish is then topped with raspberry sauce and garnished with fresh mint leaves. This dessert is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the softness of the peaches, the creaminess of the ice cream, and the tanginess of the raspberry sauce. It is a refreshing and elegant dessert that is perfect for summer.

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› French cuisine

Dessert

Origins and history

Peach Melba was created by Auguste Escoffier in 1892 in honor of the Australian soprano Nellie Melba. The dish was originally made with peaches, raspberry sauce, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was named after Nellie Melba, who was a frequent guest at the Savoy Hotel in London where Escoffier worked. The dish became very popular and is now a classic dessert that is enjoyed all over the world.

Dietary considerations

Peach Melba is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance or nut allergies.

Variations

There are many variations of Peach Melba, including using different fruits such as strawberries or mangoes instead of peaches. Some recipes also call for adding a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto to the raspberry sauce.

Presentation and garnishing

Peach Melba should be presented in a clear glass bowl or dish to showcase the layers of peaches, ice cream, and raspberry sauce. It can be garnished with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Tips & Tricks

To make the perfect Peach Melba, use ripe and juicy peaches and high-quality vanilla ice cream. The raspberry sauce should be made with fresh raspberries and a touch of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Serve the dish immediately after assembling to prevent the ice cream from melting.

Side-dishes

Peach Melba can be served with a variety of side dishes such as shortbread cookies or almond tuiles. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.