Peaches Melba

Among the reasons Auguste Escoffier is still widely regarded as one of the key figures in Western cuisine are his simplification of late Victorian cookery and his introduction of fresh, zingy combinations. He invented this recipe, deservedly a classic, in honor of Nellie Melba, an Australian opera singer who was the toast of Europe in the Downton era. It was designed for restaurant service—the components could be made in advance and assembled as needed—and is ideal for a Downton dinn