Peach Melba (France)

Peach Melba (France)

Peach Melba is a glamorous, yet surprisingly simple dessert that epitomizes the elegance of classic French cuisine. Created in the 1890s by famed French chef Auguste Escoffier, it was designed to honor the Australian opera singer Nellie Melba.

The dessert combines fresh, ripe peaches with the smoothness of vanilla ice cream and a raspberry sauce, resulting in a visually stunning and deliciously balanced treat.

This dessert is a true celebration of summer, as it brings together the bright, juicy sweetness of peaches with the richness of cream and the tang of raspberry coulis.

Peach Melba has endured for over a century, remaining a favorite in fine dining establishments and home kitchens alike. Its simple yet luxurious ingredients and preparation make it a great choice for special occasions, dinner parties, or as an indulgent summer treat.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 people.

For the Peach Melba:

• 4 ripe peaches (fresh is preferable, but you can use canned or frozen peaches if fresh ones are not in season)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightening the flavor)
• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream (or more, depending on preference)

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

For the Raspberry Sauce (Coulis):

• 200g (1½ cups) fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)

How to Make Peach Melba

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Begin by blanching the peaches to easily remove their skins. Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water.

Make an “X” shape on the bottom of each peach with a sharp knife.

Drop the peaches into the boiling water for 30-60 seconds, or until the skin starts to peel away.

Immediately transfer the peaches to the ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cool, peel off the skins and discard them.

Slice each peach in half, removing the pit, and then cut each half into thin slices. Optionally, drizzle the slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and to enhance the peach flavor.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Coulis

In a blender or food processor, combine the raspberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice.

Blend until smooth, and then strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the seeds. You can use a spoon to help push the liquid through.

Taste the coulis and adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired. You can also add a little more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier finish.

Set the raspberry sauce aside in the refrigerator to chill.

Step 3: Assemble the Peach Melba

In serving bowls or individual dessert glasses, place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom of each.

Arrange the sliced peaches over the ice cream, ensuring they cover the surface neatly.

Drizzle the raspberry coulis generously over the peaches and ice cream, letting it flow down the sides for a beautiful visual effect.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint to add a touch of color and fragrance to the dessert.

Step 4: Serve Immediately Peach Melba is best served fresh, so once it’s assembled, enjoy it right away while the ice cream is still cold and the fruit is at its peak.

Chef’s Notes

Peach Variations: While ripe, fresh peaches are the traditional choice for this dessert, you can also use nectarines or even canned peaches in syrup if fresh ones aren’t available. For a more decadent twist, you could even grill the peaches slightly to add a smoky flavor.

Raspberry Sauce Options: If you prefer, you can substitute the raspberry coulis with a store-bought raspberry jam or fruit preserve. Just be sure to dilute it with a little water or lemon juice to achieve the right consistency.

Ice Cream Choices: Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other flavors like coconut, almond, or even a tangy sorbet for a refreshing variation. Consider making your own ice cream if you want to add a personalized touch.

Wine Pairing: For a sophisticated pairing, serve Peach Melba with a chilled glass of dessert wine, such as a Moscato d’Asti or a late-harvest Riesling. The sweetness of the wine complements the flavors of the peaches and raspberry sauce perfectly.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note that the following nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used:

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Sugars: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 35% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 8% of Daily Value
• Iron: 2% of Daily Value

Final Thoughts

Peach Melba is the epitome of a dessert that balances simplicity with elegance. The combination of perfectly ripened peaches, smooth vanilla ice cream, and tangy raspberry coulis is a sensory delight, making it a perfect way to end a meal. This dessert is especially wonderful in the summer when peaches and raspberries are in season, allowing the fruit to shine in its freshest form.

Whether you’re looking to recreate a historic classic or simply enjoy a refreshing treat, Peach Melba is a dessert that never fails to impress. The best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, yet feels as if you’ve put much more time and effort into it.

Serve it at your next gathering and watch as it disappears in minutes, leaving behind satisfied smiles and empty bowls.

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