Marshmallows
Famous for being roasted over a campfire or floating in hot cocoa, there are more uses for these sweet treats than you may realize.
Definition
- Marshmallow
- Pronounced: MAHRSH-mehl-oh
- Originally created from the root extract of the marshmallow plant, a perennial shrub that grows in salt marshes in the eastern U.S.
- Today, marshmallows are typically made from corn syrup, gum arabic, gelatin, and flavoring.
Types available
Regular size: About 1 1/2 inches in diameter
Miniature: About 1/2 inch in diameter
Marshmallows also come in pastel colors, chocolate flavor, and jumbo size for toasting on a campfire. You can also buy marshmallow creme, a whipped marshmallow flavored spread.
Storage
Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, for 6-12 months. Marshmallows can also be frozen for up to a year.
We never have marshmallows around long enough for them to go stale, but if you encounter this problem put the hardened marshmallows in a zipper-top bag with a slice of fresh bread for 2-3 days. They will magically be soft again.
How To Melt Marshmallows
Microwave: Heat the marshmallows on a microwave safe plate on LOW heat for 30 seconds. Stir, and repeat as needed.
Stovetop: Heat water in a double boiler to a simmer. Place the marshmallows in the top of the double boiler and cook, stirring, until they are melted.
Did you know?
If you microwave a marshmallow on HIGH it will puff up to 2-3 times its size.
Uses for Marshmallows
- Add mini marshmallows to hot chocolate
- Toast large marshmallows over a flame and make s'mores by sandwiching the marshmallow with chocolate between graham crackers
- Add to a bag of brown sugar to keep it from hardening
- Place a mini marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to keep the ice cream from dripping out the bottom
- Make rice krispies treats
- Stir miniature marshmallows into pie filling or cake batter before baking them
Trying to cut marshmallows can end up in a sticky mess. Your best bet is to use a scissors to snip them rather than a knife. And another tip: dip the blades of the scissors in cold water and cut while the blades are still wet. No more sticky mess!
Related Recipes
We've all seen the marshmallow creme that comes in a jar at the grocery store. It's really easy to make at home so why buy it?
Can't beat the classics. Rice Krispie bars are a marshmallowy sweet treat for the kids and a childhood throwback for the adults.
Unleash your inner First Lady with Mamie Eisenhower's Million Dollar Fudge. It's so rich, you might just feel like a part of presidential history with every bite.
No need for a campfire for this classic treat. Bring the fun inside by using your microwave to melt the chocolate and marshmallows. Same favorite childhood s'mores (without the mosquito bites)
