Not-So-Classic Peach Melba
A classic peach Melba is a dessert of poached peach halves and raspberry sauce with vanilla ice cream, invented by the French chef Auguste Escoffier, and named after the Australian soprano Nellie Melba. This not-so-classic version calls for sliced ripe peaches instead of cooked peach halves. Look for the best vanilla ice cream, with real vanilla, or make your own. Easy to assemble, it’s a lovely, refreshing and elegant dessert, perfect for when peaches and raspberries are in season.
- Total:
- Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients
- 1cup ripe red raspberries, plus more for garnish
- 2tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 6ripe, sweet freestone peaches
- A few drops of lemon juice
- 1quart vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Step 1
Make the raspberry sauce: Put 1 cup raspberries and 2 tablespoons sugar in a blender and whiz to liquify. Pour through a fine-meshed strainer and into a medium bowl. Keep cool.Step 2
Using a paring knife, peel and halve the peaches. Slice the halves into half-moon pieces about 3/8-inch thick. Transfer to a bowl. Add 2 teaspoons sugar and a few drops of lemon juice to taste. Toss to coat.Step 3
To serve, arrange peach slices in the bottom of 6 dessert bowls. Top each serving with a scoop or 2 of vanilla ice cream. Splash raspberry sauce over each portion. Garnish with a few raspberries if you wish.