Peach Melba

In 1890s Chef Auguste Escoffier of the Savoy Hotel in London saw the performance of the Australian Opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba. He was so impressed and he created the most famous peach dishes - Peach Melba - in honour of the soprano.

The dessert is a perfect combination of peach, poached in sugar syrup until tender, and then served with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with raspberry sauce.


I don't know what inspired Chef Auguste to create this dessert. Perhaps he appreciated the bright, colourful voice of Dame Melba; or I also like to think probably because of the beautiful and simple operatic performance, like Peach Melba.

PS. Yes, if you're wondering, Dame Melba was also the culinary inspirations for Melba Toasts. What a diva!