How to Make Chef John's Peach Melba - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's Peach Melba is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. This simple yet elegant recipe combines juicy peaches, tangy raspberry sauce, and creamy vanilla ice cream to create a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. Named after the famous opera singer Nellie Melba, this dessert has been a favorite since its creation in the late 19th century.

What makes Chef John's Peach Melba so special is the combination of flavors and textures. The sweet, juicy peaches ar...

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ⅛ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 3 peaches, halved and pitted
  • 6 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Combine raspberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, water, and balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until sugar dissolves and berries collapse, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and strain into a bowl. Cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  • Combine 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and split vanilla bean in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Place peach halves with cut sides up in the syrup and simmer until tender, 5 to 8 minutes per side, basting with the syrup occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool in the syrup. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 4 hours.
  • Remove peach skins and serve each peach half on top of a scoop of ice cream in a bowl. Spoon the raspberry sauce over the top. Garnish with toasted, slivered almonds.
  • Nutrition

    421 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 9mg
    • Sodium: 21mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 97g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 91g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 40mg
    • Calcium: 61mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 187mg