March 23rd recognizes National Melba Toast Day, a food holiday. Melba toast is a dry, crisp and thinly sliced toast. It is sometimes served with salad or soup or may be eaten plain or with a topping.

Chef Auguste Escoffier of the Savoy created Melba toast. He named it after Dame Nellie Melba, the stage name of the Australian opera singer, Helen Porter Mitchell. The singer was quite popular with the chef. He created not just this diet toast for Ms. Melba, but a famous dessert as well – Peach Melba.  

Over the years, chefs and cooks have developed recipes for Melba Toast because it’s such an excellent canvas to build appetizers. The sturdy toast holds up well and adds to a beautiful canapé plate. Top it with a variety of spreads, paté, fruits, and vegetables, it makes for a delicious and elegant service. 

Another useful benefit of Melba toast’s firmness is it doubles as a teething biscuit for infants when they reach an age old enough to chew. 

More to Toast..

• National Raisin Bread Month
• National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
• National Toast Day
• National French Toast Day
• National Melba Toast Day
• National Date Nut Bread Day
• National Sourdough Bread Day
• National Banana Bread Day
• National Cheese Toast Day
• National Zucchini Bread Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMelbaToastDay

Melba toast can be eaten much like crackers by adding toppings or spreads. Try seasoning some or include it with your meal. Other ways to celebrate include:

• Reading up about Chef Auguste Escoffier.
• Listen to Dame Nellie Melba Sing.
• Learn to make homemade Melba toast.
• Learn about the history of the Savoy.
• Create a new dish and name it after someone you know.

Use #NationalMelbaToastDay to post on social media.