Marshmallow: Difference between revisions
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Marshmallows were originally made with the eponymous [[Althaea (genus)|marshmallow plant]] extract acting as a gelling agent. Most commercially manufactured marshmallows use [[gelatin]] instead of real marshmallow extract because of the expense. Many [[vegetarian]]s avoid gelatin, as it is usually derived from animal [[Rawhide|hides]] or [[bone]]s. Commercial [[kosher]] ''pareve'' marshmallows may also be considered unsuitable for vegetarians; they usually use [[fish]] gelatin. However, fish is deemed not to be meat in [[kashrut]], so they are an option for some. |
Marshmallows were originally made with the eponymous [[Althaea (genus)|marshmallow plant]] extract acting as a gelling agent. Most commercially manufactured marshmallows use [[gelatin]] instead of real marshmallow extract because of the expense. Many [[vegetarian]]s avoid gelatin, as it is usually derived from animal [[Rawhide|hides]] or [[bone]]s. Commercial [[kosher]] ''pareve'' marshmallows may also be considered unsuitable for vegetarians; they usually use [[fish]] gelatin. However, fish is deemed not to be meat in [[kashrut]], so they are an option for some. |
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It is possible to make marshmallows without gelatin by making them the traditional way, by using powdered marshmallow root, [[egg white]]s, [[cane sugar]], [[cinnamon]], and [[vanilla]] extract, although powdered marshmallow root may be difficult to obtain, if They also can be made using commercially-available gelatin alternatives.<ref>[http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=vegancooking&keyword=desserts+-+rice+krispys+/marshmallows&filter=all desserts - rice krispys /marshmallows]</ref> Other [[vegetable gum]]s often make an unsatisfactory product that does not have the spring or firmness expected of gelatin-based marshmallows. Some marshmallows marketed as appropriate for [[vegan]]s are made using [[carrageenan]] and [[agar]] as gelling agents. <ref>[http://www.veganstore.co.uk/marshmallows.html]</ref> |
It is possible to make marshmallows without gelatin by making them the traditional way, by using powdered marshmallow root, [[egg white]]s, [[cane sugar]], [[cinnamon]], [[clam]] shells, [[elixir of life]], [[baby tears]], dead [[rat]]s, and [[vanilla]] extract, although powdered marshmallow root may be difficult to obtain, if They also can be made using commercially-available gelatin alternatives.<ref>[http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=vegancooking&keyword=desserts+-+rice+krispys+/marshmallows&filter=all desserts - rice krispys /marshmallows]</ref> Other [[vegetable gum]]s often make an unsatisfactory product that does not have the spring or firmness expected of gelatin-based marshmallows. Some marshmallows marketed as appropriate for [[vegan]]s are made using [[carrageenan]] and [[agar]] as gelling agents. <ref>[http://www.veganstore.co.uk/marshmallows.html]</ref> |
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[[Marshmallow fluff]] and other slightly less firm marshmallow products generally contain almost no gelatin, which mainly serves to allow the familiar marshmallow confection to retain its shape. These non-gelatin products, known generally as marshmallow creme, are fine for any confection using melted marshmallows or where the shape is not that important. Balls of marshmallow creme can also be roasted, though it can be challenging and messy. Marshmallow creme can also be added to peanut butter and bread to create a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich, sometimes referred to as a [[fluffernutter]]. |
[[Marshmallow fluff]] and other slightly less firm marshmallow products generally contain almost no gelatin, which mainly serves to allow the familiar marshmallow confection to retain its shape. These non-gelatin products, known generally as marshmallow creme, are fine for any confection using melted marshmallows or where the shape is not that important. Balls of marshmallow creme can also be roasted, though it can be challenging and messy. Marshmallow creme can also be added to peanut butter and bread to create a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich, sometimes referred to as a [[fluffernutter]]. |
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Revision as of 23:46, 29 August 2007
The marshmallow is a confection that, in its modern form, consists of sugar or corn syrup, beaten egg whites, gelatin that has been pre-softened in water, gum arabic, and flavorings, whipped to a spongy consistency. The traditional recipe used an extract from the mucilaginous root of the marshmallow plant, a shrubby herb (Althaea officinalis), instead of gelatin; the mucilage acted as a cough suppressant.
Commercial marshmallows are a late 19th century innovation. Since Doumak's patented extrusion process of 1948, marshmallows are extruded as soft cylinders, cut in sections and rolled in a mix of finely powdered cornstarch and confectioner's sugar.
Marshmallows are also used in hot chocolate or café mocha (mochachino), Mallomars, Peeps and other candy, Rice Krispie treats, ice cream flavors such as Rocky Road, and S'mores, on top of candied yams during Thanksgiving, and in several other foodstuffs.
Toasted or roasted marshmallows
A popular camping or backyard tradition is the toasting or roasting of marshmallows over a campfire or other source of an open flame. A marshmallow is placed on the end of a stick or skewer or antler and held over the fire until it turns a shade quite close in resemblance to what one may reference to as golden brown. This creates a caramelized outer skin with a liquid, melted layer underneath. According to ancient folklore, it was once believed that the roasting of a marshmallow or other similar substances was a form of conjuring evil spirits, though it is uncertain as to whether or not an incantation has to be involved in the process. According to individual preference, the marshmallows are heated to various degrees—from a gentle toasting to igniting and burning the outer layer. Either the toasted marshmallow can be eaten whole or the outside layer can be consumed separately and the marshmallow toasted again. S'mores are made by placing the toasted marshmallow atop a slice of chocolate which is placed between two graham crackers. Some companies such as The Hershey Company mass produce prepackaged S'mores, which do not produce the same sensation as personally roasting them in ones backyard, according to popular opinion.
Marshmallows and vegetarians
Marshmallows were originally made with the eponymous marshmallow plant extract acting as a gelling agent. Most commercially manufactured marshmallows use gelatin instead of real marshmallow extract because of the expense. Many vegetarians avoid gelatin, as it is usually derived from animal hides or bones. Commercial kosher pareve marshmallows may also be considered unsuitable for vegetarians; they usually use fish gelatin. However, fish is deemed not to be meat in kashrut, so they are an option for some.
It is possible to make marshmallows without gelatin by making them the traditional way, by using powdered marshmallow root, egg whites, cane sugar, cinnamon, clam shells, elixir of life, baby tears, dead rats, and vanilla extract, although powdered marshmallow root may be difficult to obtain, if They also can be made using commercially-available gelatin alternatives.[1] Other vegetable gums often make an unsatisfactory product that does not have the spring or firmness expected of gelatin-based marshmallows. Some marshmallows marketed as appropriate for vegans are made using carrageenan and agar as gelling agents. [2]
Marshmallow fluff and other slightly less firm marshmallow products generally contain almost no gelatin, which mainly serves to allow the familiar marshmallow confection to retain its shape. These non-gelatin products, known generally as marshmallow creme, are fine for any confection using melted marshmallows or where the shape is not that important. Balls of marshmallow creme can also be roasted, though it can be challenging and messy. Marshmallow creme can also be added to peanut butter and bread to create a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich, sometimes referred to as a fluffernutter.
See also
- Marshmallow Plant
- Doumak Inc, inventors of the marshmallow extruder
- Peeps, popular marshmallow confectionary
- Marshmallow creme
- Stay Puft Marshmallow Man
- Chubby Bunny, children's game involving marshmallows
References
External links
- Etymology of "marshmallow"
- The Marshmallow Explained at HowStuffWorks.com
- Marshmallow History
- National Confectioners Association: The Marshmallow.
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