This classic French dessert is a study in simple elegance, featuring tender poached peaches resting on a bed of cold vanilla ice cream. The dish is crowned with a glossy, tart raspberry coulis that provides a perfect acidic counterpoint to the sweet fruit and creamy dairy. Topped with toasted slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch, Pêches Melba offers a beautiful contrast of textures and temperatures. It is an ideal choice for summer dinners or as a sophisticated finish to a holiday meal. While it looks impressive on the plate, the assembly is straightforward, allowing the natural flavors of high-quality peaches and berries to shine without heavy manipulation.
Peches Melba
Description
This classic French dessert is a study in simple elegance, featuring tender poached peaches resting on a bed of cold vanilla ice cream. The dish is crowned with a glossy, tart raspberry coulis that provides a perfect acidic counterpoint to the sweet fruit and creamy dairy. Topped with toasted slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch, P&# 195;ªches Melba offers a beautiful contrast of textures and temperatures. It is an ideal choice for summer dinners or as a sophisticated finish to a holiday meal. While it looks impressive on the plate, the assembly is straightforward, allowing the natural flavors of high-quality peaches and berries to shine without heavy manipulation.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully peel the peaches using a paring knife or vegetable peeler.
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Cut the peeled peaches in half and remove the pits, then briefly poach them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.
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Remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and set their color.
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In a small saucepan, combine the raspberry preserves, strawberry preserves, and water, and heat over low heat until smooth and fluid to create the coulis.
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Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
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Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each serving plate.
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Gently place a halched peach on top of each scoop of ice cream.
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Drizzle the warm raspberry-strawberry sauce over the peaches and ice cream.
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Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds over the top of each dessert and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 414.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30.1g47%
- Saturated Fat 13.2g66%
- Cholesterol 66.5mg23%
- Sodium 82.4mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 30.4g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3.8g16%
- Sugars 23.2g
- Protein 8.4g17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For the best flavor, use ripe, fragrant peaches. If peaches are out of season, high-quality canned peaches in light syrup can be substituted; drain them well before using.
The raspberry-strawberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently before serving if desired, or serve it cold.
Toasting the almonds adds a crucial textural contrast and nutty flavor. Do not skip this step.
Assemble the dessert just before serving to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly under the warm fruit and sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute the vanilla ice cream with vanilla frozen yogurt or whipped cream.
