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National Toasted Marshmallow Day is August 30th—not a day of the year that begs for a steaming cup of cocoa. We need other ways to use toasted marshmallows.
So we put on our thinking toques to see how to best use them on hot summer days, and how to toast them without a campfire or fireplace.
> The history of marshmallows.
USE TOASTED MARSHMALLOWS FOR…
S’mores, of course, or a variation. Check out these S’mores recipes and variations other than graham crackers. (National S’mores Day is August 10th).
Cocktail garnish for a Black or White Russian, Chocolate Martini, Espresso Martini, Irish Cream Liqueur.
Cookie or brownie sandwich.
Cupcake, cake, pie, pudding or tart garnish (make an easy tartlet with lemon curd).
Grilled marshmallow and fruit skewers.
Iced coffee, iced latte, iced hot chocolate.
Ice cream or sundae topping.
Milkshakes.
Peanut butter toast: Top toast with PB and marshmallows, and chocolate if you like!
Shots, with marshmallow vodka (made by Pinnacle, Skyy and Smirnoff).
Sweet potato garnish.
Toasted “Fluffernutter” sandwich, replacing the fluff.
PLEASE ADD TO THIS LIST!
And remember: There’s marshmallow goodness beyond Campfire and Jet-Puffed. Check out gourmet marshmallows.
Vegan? There are delicious vegan marshmallows from Dandies, all delicious.
TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS WITHOUT A FIREPLACE
Even if you have a fireplace, you sure don’t want to light it up today.
Who needs a fireplace—or a campfire? There are other ways to toast marshmallows.
On a stove: If you have a gas stove, you can toast the marshmallow over an open flame until it begins to brown—about a minute, depending on how “toasty” you like it.
With a candle, an unscented one. Turn down the lights for romance.
For best results, hold the marshmallow about two inches away from the flame and turn it continuously. This way, the marshmallow will melts from the inside out and brown evenly.
A fondue fork is ideal for toasting because it has a protective handle, but impaling the marshmallow on the tip of a regular fork works, too. You can use skewers, as well; bamboo skewers will not heat up and are easier to hold. You’ll need to soak them first, though, so they won’t catch fire!
Avoid toasting over Sterno: The marshmallows will smell and taste of it. A votive candle will work, and if you’re having guests, you can put a votive at each place setting.
The Fastest Way To Toast A Batch Of Marshmallows:
The Broiler! Place the marshmallows on a baking sheet and set the oven to Broil. When one side is at your desired tastiness, turn them over. If the marshmallows are not browning evenly, rotate the pan.
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[1] The best garnish for a Chocolate Martini? A toasted marshmallow—and maybe a rim of graham cracker crumbs (that’s a S’mores Martini). Here’s the recipe from Eclectic Recipes.
[2] Serve a toasty marshmallow with a cool shake. Here’s the recipe from Honey and Birch.
[3] Garnish any dessert or sweet snack, like this cupcake from Cake Boss Baking.
[4] Top a pudding parfait—or an ice cream parfait (photo © Choclatique [now closed]).
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