National Peach Melba Day

For lovers of juicy peaches, there is no day more important than Melba Peach Day!  This is a day to enjoy everyone's favorite dessert.

Peach Melba Day celebrates the classic dessert, melba peach.  A sweet, sticky mélange of peaches, raspberry sauce and cream, this crowd-pleasing dish has been served in cafes, restaurants and domestic kitchens all over the world.  Invented in the early 1900s, Peach Melba quickly became a favorite, and it has delighted kids and adults alike ever since.

History of Peach Melba Day

Peach Melba is a pudding developed and honed by a famous chef in homage to his friend, opera singer, Nellie Melba.  While making a career on the opera stage, soprano Nellie frequently stayed in London, and she preferred to eat nothing more than eating out, often choosing to visit the restaurants of respected chef, August Escoffier.  Escoffier is known for his lavish feasts, often with up to 11 courses, and every once in a while, he will create something special for famous guests.

When Nellie was staying at the posh Savoy Hotel while Escoffier was working there as a chef, he rustled a dessert in her honor.  Originally called 'peach with the swan' due to its design, the recipe was slightly altered, and a few years later, Escoffier added a rich raspberry sauce to the recipe to celebrate in the Ritz Carlton, London.  This dessert was named Peach Melba and paved the way for celebrations dedicated to the delicious peach for decades.

When Nellie Melba's infamous dessert was first created, she was very thin, and the story goes that Escoffier later produced a low-calorie version for the singer, who has gained weight with age.  This is how Melba toast was born.

How to celebrate Peach Melba Day

There is only a way to celebrate Melba Peach Day and that involves savoring those taste buds and trying this classic dessert for yourself.

Whether you are an aspiring amateur chef or you would rather let the pros do the work, this day is all about singing praises of peaches and expressing gratitude to Auguste.  Escoffier for bringing the celebration of all things sweet to our table.

For those who love cooking or entertaining, what could be better than inviting friends could and family to a peach Melba party?  Stick to Escoffier's original recipe or get creative and try something a little different.

Alternatively, get everyone together and go to the nearest restaurant or cafe that serves Peach Melba and celebrate constantly, or bring your creations and share them at work.  Take photos, use hashtags, and share experiences and stories on the web to encourage people to take part in Peach Melba Day.  You might be surprised at how popular this mountain of cream, peach, and raspberry sauce has become.

A reason to enjoy and celebrate a real peach of a dessert, Peach Melba Day can be enjoyed by everyone!