Melba toast is a crispy, crunchy, thinly-sliced toast that is commonly served as a snack or appetizer. It is named after the famous Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, who is said to have requested her toast be sliced thinly to sooth her sore throat. The IPA transcription for the spelling of "melba toast" is /ˈmɛlbə toʊst/, with the emphasized syllables being "mel" and "to". The word "Melba" is also pronounced with a long "e" sound, as in "me-uhl-buh".
Melba toast is a type of crispy, thinly sliced bread that is typically toasted until it becomes dry and crunchy. It is named after Dame Nellie Melba, an Australian opera singer, who is believed to have inspired its creation. Melba toast is often made from white bread, although other types of bread such as whole wheat or rye can also be used. The slices of bread are usually cut very thin and then toasted to remove any moisture, resulting in a crisp texture that is easy to break into smaller pieces.
The process of making melba toast involves slicing the bread into very thin slices, usually about 1/8 inch thick. The slices are then placed on a baking sheet and toasted in an oven or a toaster until they turn golden brown and crispy. Melba toast is often served as a light snack or appetizer, and it can be enjoyed plain or topped with various spreads, such as butter, cheese, pâté, or jam.
Due to its thinness and crunchiness, melba toast is often used as a base or accompaniment for other dishes. It is commonly used as a garnish for soups, salads, and dips, as well as a foundation for canapés. The light and delicate nature of melba toast makes it a popular choice for individuals looking for a low-calorie alternative to regular bread or crackers.
In summary, melba toast is a thin, crispy slice of bread that is toasted until it becomes dry and crunchy. It is a versatile snack or accompaniment often used in various culinary preparations.
The word "Melba toast" is named after Dame Nellie Melba, an Australian opera soprano, who was born as Helen Porter Mitchell in 1861. It was created by the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier to honor Melba.
The story goes that during a dinner party in London in the late 19th century, Melba was seated next to Escoffier. Melba was on a diet due to her health, and she asked Escoffier to create something plain and crispy for her to eat. Escoffier then sliced a piece of toast very thinly, toasted it until it was dry and crisp, and served it to her. Melba loved it so much that it became a regular part of her diet.
Since Escoffier invented the toast for Melba, it was named "Melba toast" in her honor.