This fits in the category “entremet” in France.

Entremet literally means “entre“= between and “met“= meal. In the 17e century, it refers to a meal that is served after roastbeef, and before dessert. It evolved from a savory dish to a sweet one, nowadays all entremets are sweet. They are classified into three categories: hot entremets: Souffles, pudding, crepes, etc…; cold entremets: Flans, blanc-manger, etc…entremets with ice cream: mousses, sorbets, etc…

Blanc-manger goes back to Antiquity so it’s not a modern dessert. It’s literally translated into blanc = white, and manger= eat, due to its very white color. Originally, it’s made with milk, almonds and thickened with corn or potato starch. In the 18e century, they started using gelatin so I went with that recipe as well. Sometimes blanc-manger can be confused with panna cotta, which is cooked cream, sugar and gelatin. Nowadays when talking about blanc-manger, it’s usually referring to the recipe made with milk, almonds, cream, and gelatin.

This version is a bit different, I could call it revisited. I used almond milk, but the kind made with only almond and water from the brand “three trees” sold at Whole Foods in the refrigerated section. You have to look for the real almond milk, and not the one with added thickeners, and other unknown ingredients. It’s really delicious and natural. Then I used whipped coconut cream and I flavored the whole thing with almond extract. You can flavor it with vanilla or any other flavor of your choice.

Coconut cream can be whipped. You need to place a can of coconut milk in the refrigerator until very cold, and the mixing bowl you will be using to whip it as well. Then, take the thick part of the milk that lays on top of the can, and whip it. You can use heavy cream if you prefer.

Fruit compote is a lovely addition to this light dessert. Peaches and apricots are delicious with almond flavor, even though apricots are not at their best yet.

Ingredients for 3-4 (depending on the size of your cups)

For the blanc-manger

• 300 ml almond milk (the natural kind)
• 100 ml whipped coconut cream
• 4 tbs of sweetener of your choice (I used stevia)
• 4 gelatin sheets
• Almond extract

For the peach-apricot coulis

• 1 white nectarine, cut in pieces
• 1 large apricot, cut in pieces
• 1 large apricot, seed removed, and quartered
• 1 yellow peach, cut in peaces
• 1 tbs sweetener of your choice
• 3 tbs orange juice

Instructions

For the blanc-manger

Soak gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes, or until gelatin has softened. Boil almond milk with sweetener. Remove from heat and place gelatin sheet in milk, stirring until dissolved. Let it cool.

Whip coconut cream and add to the milk. Pour in small bowls, and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.

For the coulis

Cook the cut fruits in a small pot with orange juice and sweetener until the fruits are soft. Let it cool.

Blend until smooth consistency.

I made this recipe a month ago when the peaches were delicious and juicy, now you get the last peaches of the season…bye bye my sweet fruit.

This dessert reminds me of my childhood…during the summer months when I used to go in town with my mom, we would sit down sur la terrace d’un cafe in Place Stanislas, and watch people walk by indulging with one of those ice cream desserts. Life could not get any better and sweeter. Peche Melba was one of my favorite ice cream cups (coupes de glace), along with Chocolat Liegeois and Poire Belle Helene. It’s fairly simple, you only need excellent ingredients.

The dessert was created in 1893 by Auguste Escoffier for the Opera Singer Nellie Melba, that’s where it got its name. It’s simply a peach poached in a syrup served with vanilla ice cream, raspberry coulis and toasted almonds. It’s a great dessert to serve when you have 6-8 guests and that you don’t want to start getting into complicated desserts. Since it’s still peach season with peaches sweet and juicy, this would be the right dessert to enjoy right now. I bought tons of peaches, so it looks like this will be on the menu for the next week or so. No complaints.

Ingredients for 4

• 4 peaches, cut in half, pit removed
• 2 packs raspberries
• 3 tbs sugar (or more to taste)
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• Vanilla ice cream
• 3 tbs toasted sliced almonds
• whipped cream (optional)

• water (enough to cover the peaches)
• 1/4 lb sugar
• vanilla bean, cut in half and scraped
• 1 star anise