Peach Melba Recipe

Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor and texture. Look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch.

Raspberries: These add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the peaches. Fresh or frozen can be used.

Sugar: Used to sweeten the raspberry sauce.

Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the raspberry sauce.

Vegan vanilla ice cream: A dairy-free alternative that pairs perfectly with the fruit and sauce.

When blanching peaches, make sure to score a small 'X' on the bottom of each peach before placing them in boiling water. This will make it easier to peel the skin off after transferring them to ice water.

• Peaches - Substitute with apricots: Apricots have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative to peaches.

• Raspberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries provide a similar tartness and can be easily pureed to create a sauce.

• Sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a slight caramel flavor that complements the fruit.

• Lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and brightness to enhance the flavors of the dish.

• Vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that pairs well with fruit.

• Vegan vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut milk ice cream: Coconut milk ice cream is creamy and has a mild flavor that works well with the other ingredients.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peach halves in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain the peaches' natural juiciness and flavor.
• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the peach halves on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Reheat the raspberry sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or losing its vibrant flavor.
• If you prefer the microwave for the raspberry sauce, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it reaches the desired temperature.
• To maintain the creamy texture of the vegan vanilla ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Avoid reheating it directly, as it may melt and lose its consistency.
• Once everything is reheated, assemble your Peach Melba by placing the warm peach halves in a bowl, adding a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, and drizzling with the warm raspberry sauce. Enjoy the delightful contrast of warm and cold in every bite!

• Saucepan: Used to cook the raspberry sauce by combining raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

• Blender: Optional, but can be used to blend the raspberry sauce for a smoother consistency before straining.

• Strainer: Used to remove seeds from the raspberry sauce after cooking.

• Mixing spoon: Used to stir the raspberry sauce while it cooks.

• Large pot: Used to blanch the peaches in boiling water.

• Slotted spoon: Used to transfer the blanched peaches from the boiling water to the ice water.

• Bowl of ice water: Used to cool the blanched peaches quickly to stop the cooking process.

• Paring knife: Used to peel the skin off the blanched peaches.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to slice the peeled peaches.

• Ice cream scoop: Used to scoop the vegan vanilla ice cream.

• Serving plates: Used to serve the peaches, ice cream, and raspberry sauce.

Blanch in advance: Blanch and peel the peaches ahead of time, then store them in the fridge to save time on the day of preparation.

Use frozen raspberries: Opt for frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones to skip the washing and sorting process.

Pre-make the sauce: Prepare the raspberry sauce a day before and store it in the fridge. This allows you to focus on assembly when ready to serve.

Buy pre-sliced peaches: Purchase pre-sliced peaches from the store to eliminate the peeling and slicing steps.

Ready-made ice cream: Use store-bought vegan vanilla ice cream to avoid the time-consuming process of making your own.