National Peach Melba Day
Delighting your taste buds with a fruity, creamy, and utterly delightful dessert that's like a little scoop of heaven on a spoon.
For those who love a good, juicy peach, there’s no date more important than National Peach Melba Day! A celebration of a dessert adored by all generations, this is a day to indulge.
National Peach Melba Day commemorates the classic dessert, peach melba. A decadent, sticky, sweet melange of peaches, raspberry sauce and ice cream, this crowd-pleaser has been served in cafes, restaurants and domestic kitchens all over the world.
Invented in the early 1900s, peach melba quickly became a firm favorite, and it has been delighting children and adults since.
History of National Peach Melba Day
Peach melba is a dessert that was developed and honed by a famous chef in homage to his friend, opera singer, Nellie Melba.
While establishing her career on the opera circuit, soprano Nellie frequently stayed in London, and she enjoyed nothing more than eating out, often opting for the restaurants of the esteemed chef, Auguste Escoffier.
Escoffier was known for his lavish feasts, which often featured up to 11 courses, and occasionally, he would create something special for famous guests.
When Nellie was staying at the luxurious Savoy Hotel while Escoffier was working there as a chef, he rustled up a dessert in her honour.
Originally known as ‘peach with a swan’ due to its design, the recipe was altered slightly, and a few years later, Escoffier added a generous drizzle of raspberry sauce to the formula to celebrate the opening of the Ritz Carlton, London.
The dessert was named Peach Melba and paved the way for decades of celebrations dedicated to the delicious peach.
When Nellie Melba’s infamous dessert was first created, she was very slim, and the story goes that Escoffier later produced a low-calorie version for the singer, who had gained weight with age. This was how Melba toast came into being!
How to Celebrate National Peach Melba Day
There’s only one way to celebrate National Peach Melba Day and that involves treating those taste buds and trying out this classic dessert for yourself.
Whether you’re an ambitious amateur chef, or you’re keen to let the pros do the legwork, this day is all about singing the praises of the peach and offering up gratitude to Auguste Escoffier for bringing this celebration of all things sugary and sweet to our tables.
Try Making Peach Melba
For those who love to cook or entertain, what could be better than inviting friends and family round for a peach melba feast? Stick to Escoffier’s original recipe, or unleash your creativity and try something a little different.
Enjoy Peach Melba at a Restaurant
Alternatively, gather people together and head for the nearest restaurant or cafe that serves peach melba and celebrate en masse, or take your creations and share them out at work.
Take photos, use themed hashtags, and share experiences and stories on the web. You might be surprised at just how popular this mouthwatering mountain of ice cream, peaches, and the brightly-colored raspberry sauce has become.
An excuse to indulge and celebrate a real peach of a dessert, National Peach Melba Day can be enjoyed by all!
National Peach Melba Day FAQs
What inspired chef Auguste Escoffier to create the dessert in the first place?
Escoffier first made Peach Melba after seeing Nellie Melba perform in Wagner’s Lohengrin in London.
He wanted to honor her in a creative way, using flavors that highlighted her elegance.
Some accounts say he originally shaped the ice cream in a swan-shaped ice carving, a nod to Lohengrin’s plot involving a magical swan.
Why is Peach Melba associated with both summer and winter celebrations?
Peach Melba has seasonal roots: peaches are a summer fruit, but Nellie Melba’s performances typically drew winter crowds in London and Paris.
This seasonal crossover makes it a unique dish celebrated in both warm and cold weather, with some adapting it by using preserved or canned peaches in colder months.
Did Escoffier invent any other dishes for Nellie Melba?
Yes! Besides Peach Melba, Escoffier also invented Melba toast for her. During an illness, Nellie Melba required a bland, easily digestible food, so Escoffier created ultra-thin toast, which she enjoyed.
This simple toast is still popular worldwide.
What is a common misconception about the ingredients in Peach Melba?
Many think Peach Melba contains elaborate ingredients or alcohol. However, the classic recipe is simple: just ripe peaches, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry purée.
Variants today add alcohol or fancy garnishes, but Escoffier’s original dessert focused on simplicity.
How do people in other countries celebrate Peach Melba Day?
In Australia, where Nellie Melba hailed from, some make “Melba Lamingtons,” inspired by the dessert but adapted to the famous lamington sponge cake.
In France, fancy Peach Melba variations are served in high-end restaurants, often with extra flair like edible gold leaf.
Was Peach Melba named instantly after it was created?
Not right away. Escoffier first called the dessert Pecheau Cygne, referencing the swan presentation.
Only later did he rename it Pêche Melba in direct homage to Melba. This evolution reflects Escoffier’s desire to fully dedicate the dish to the singer.
Is there a “Peach Melba Society” or similar fan group?
While there isn’t an official Peach Melba Society, food history enthusiasts and chefs often celebrate Escoffier’s legacy, including Peach Melba, through clubs dedicated to historic dishes.
The Escoffier Society honors his influence with events and recipe recreations.
Why do some people think the dessert involves champagne?
Since Peach Melba was created for a famous opera singer, people associate it with luxury, often assuming it has champagne or fancy toppings.
While some chefs today add champagne in versions of the sauce, Escoffier’s original recipe didn’t include it.
Have any films or books featured Peach Melba?
Peach Melba has cameoed in classic films like The Seven Year Itch, symbolizing elegance and romance.
It appears in books too, including culinary novels where chefs experiment with Escoffier’s recipes, highlighting its ongoing cultural allure.
Why is the dish popular with both home cooks and chefs?
Peach Melba’s simplicity appeals to home cooks, while chefs enjoy putting a modern twist on it.
Some add creative ingredients like lavender or balsamic drizzle to refresh the classic. This adaptability keeps Peach Melba relevant over a century later.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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