Melba toast was created by Auguste Escoffier for Marie Ritz, who wanted a leaner toast. It was originally called “Toast Marie” but was renamed “Melba” toast when Escoffier worked with Cesar Ritz and Dame Nellie Melba was present. Melba toast is low in fat, cholesterol, and calories and is a good source of manganese. It can be made at home by flattening thinly sliced bread, removing the crusts, spreading herb butter, and toasting in the oven.
Melba toast is thin, crunchy toast that is now packaged and sold in stores alongside crusty breads and crackers. Auguste Escoffier, a friend of Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz and his wife Marie Ritz, created it when Marie commented that she could never find a toast lean enough. Escoffier originally called it “Toast Marie” after his friend’s wife, but renamed it “Melba” toast when he worked with Cesar Ritz at the Savoy Hotel in London and Dame Nellie Melba was there.
Singer Dame Nellie Melba was reported to have eaten toast regularly when she was ill in 1897. Helen Porter Mitchell is the real name of Dame Nellie Melba, who formed the surname of her stage name from her hometown of Melbourne, in Australia. Peach Melba is another food named after the opera star. Apparently, Marie Ritz, understanding the hotel business, didn’t bother changing the name to “Toast Marie.” After the death of her husband Auguste, Marie ran the Ritz Hotel in Paris.
Nutritionally, Melba toast is generally low in fat, cholesterol, and calories, and is said to be an excellent source of the mineral manganese. It is often good for those on low sodium diets as unsalted versions are available. Cheese is a popular accompaniment to toast and together they form a complete protein source. Its clean, compact size makes it fun for appetizers, and toppings like egg, hummus, shrimp, mushrooms, and smoked salmon are just a few of the delicious possibilities.
Cooks can make their own Melba toast using very thinly sliced bread that is flattened with a rolling pin. The crusts should be removed. Herbs like dill and thyme can be mixed into the butter and then spread on both sides of the bread. The bread should be toasted for about 15 minutes in a 350°F oven, turning once, until lightly browned.
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