Peach Melba with Meringue Caps

This delightful dessert combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the vibrant flavor of blueberries, all topped with a light and crunchy meringue cap. Perfect for a summer evening, this dish is both refreshing and indulgent. The peaches are poached to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together. Blueberries add a contrasting tartness, while the meringue provides a sweet finish. With its beautiful presentation, this dessert is sure to impress guests at any dinner party. The recipe is versatile, and substitutions are easy to make. It combines simplicity and elegance, taking little time to prepare. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of elegance, making this dessert as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy it with a drizzle of your favorite sauce or garnish with fresh mint for an extra touch of sophistication.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

4 fully ripe firm peaches
100 g blueberries
1 tsp. red port wine (can be substituted with blackcurrant juice)
2 tsp. lemon juice

Meringue:

2 egg whites
50 g sugar
1 packet vanilla sugar
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Preparation Time

25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by blanching the peaches in boiling water for a few seconds, then rinse them in cold water and peel off the skin.
Carefully cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
Arrange the peach halves cut-side up in a heatproof baking dish, ensuring they are snugly placed together.
Preheat your oven to 225°C (437°F) to prepare for baking.
Rinse and dry the blueberries, then mix them with the lemon juice to coat evenly.
Place a spoonful of the blueberry mixture into the hollow of each peach half.
Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until they form very stiff peaks, gradually adding the sugar and vanilla sugar during the process.
Transfer the beaten egg whites into a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the top of each peach half, resembling little caps.
Dust the meringue caps with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Place the peaches in the preheated oven and bake at 200°C (392°F) for approximately 10 minutes, or until the meringue caps are lightly browned.
Once the peaches are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve two peach halves per plate, drizzling a bit of the leftover juice from the baking dish over the top.
Garnish with extra blueberries or a fresh mint leaf for added color and flavor.
This delightful dessert is ready to serve and enjoy. Bon appétit!

Tips

Substitute: If you don't have red port wine, use blackcurrant juice as an alternative.
Texture: Ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks for the perfect meringue texture.
Garnish: Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing note.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
Protein: 3g
Fats: 1g
Carbohydrates: 34g

Variations

Use strawberries or raspberries instead of blueberries for a different berry flavor.
Vegan option: Replace the egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea water) for the meringue.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a side of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
A cup of hot black tea complements the flavors well.
Serve with a drizzle of raspberry sauce for added sweetness.

Best Places

Café de Flore - Elegant and historic spot known for serving tasty pastries. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
The Ledbury - Offers a creative and refined dining experience. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
Tartine Bakery - Famous for its delicious pastries and desserts. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Ristorante Quadri - Known for exceptional Italian desserts. Location: Piazza San Marco, 121, Venice, Italy.
Café Central - Classic Viennese café with exquisite desserts. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Pasteleria Escribà - Renowned for artisanal pastries. Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 546, Barcelona, Spain.
Demel - Historic cafe offering traditional and modern cakes. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Milan's finest patisserie offers exquisite treats. Location: Via Montenapoleone, 9, Milan, Italy.
Pierre Hermé - High-end desserts known for macaron innovation. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
Ladurée - World-famous for luxury pastries and macarons. Location: 16 Rue Royale, Paris, France.