Ever heard of Peach Melba? If you haven’t, January’s annual Peach Melba Day is the perfect time to acquaint yourself with this delightful, fruity dessert. For peach enthusiasts, this elegant blend of ice cream, peaches, and raspberry sauce is a finger-licking treat. So, what’s the story behind this unique sweet dish?
Some Peach Melba History
Peach Melba made its debut in the early 1900s. This delectable pudding owes its existence to Auguste Escoffier, a renowned chef, and his friendship with opera singer Nellie Melba.
As Melba pursued her opera career in London, she frequented Escoffier’s restaurants, known for his fancy feasts featuring multiple courses. Escoffier crafted a special dessert in honor of his friend when Melba stayed at the Savoy Hotel. Originally named ‘peach with a swan’ for its form, the recipe evolved over the years. When celebrating the opening of the Ritz Carlton in London, Escoffier added raspberry sauce to the recipe, ultimately resulting in what we now know as the Peach Melba dessert.
Legend has it that when Nellie Melba’s dessert was first created, she was pretty slim. As time passed and she gained weight, Escoffier devised a low-calorie version for her, giving rise to the famous Melba toast.
Now, go celebrate this iconic peachy delight by making your own homemade version.
