The humble marshmallow has come a long way from its herbaceous perennial origins. Once a key ingredient in 19th-century confectionery, the modern industrial marshmallow is now primarily made of sugar, water, and gelatine, with air being its main component.
However, this doesn't stop people from getting creative with marshmallows. Many recipes call for store-bought marshmallows as an ingredient, but making your own homemade marshmallows can be a game-changer. The texture may not be identical to machine-made products, but it's infinitely preferable to the processed version.
Various chefs and bloggers have shared their unique marshmallow creations, from sweet potato casserole with mini marshmallows to creamy ambrosia salads. Some recipes use whipped cream or sour cream as a base, while others incorporate cottage cheese and orange jelly. The list of sweet dishes featuring marshmallows is endless, including s'mores, ginger biscuit scones, and toasted marshmallow martinis.
But not all marshmallow creations are sweet. Mashed sweet potatoes with a marshmallow topping is a savory dish that's both grimly authentic and enticing. Courgette soup with parmesan and burnt chilli marshmallows is another unique combination, where homemade marshmallows are spiked with chilli flakes and scorched to perfection.
Marshmallows can also be used as a textural element in desserts like strawberry mousse or cheesecake. The toasted marshmallow espresso martini is a showstopper cocktail that requires burnt marshmallow syrup and marshmallow-flavoured vodka. And for those feeling adventurous, there's even the option of making their own marshmallow fluff from scratch.
The versatility of marshmallows has opened up a world of possibilities in baking and cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an amateur baker, experimenting with marshmallows can be a fun and creative way to explore new flavors and textures.
However, this doesn't stop people from getting creative with marshmallows. Many recipes call for store-bought marshmallows as an ingredient, but making your own homemade marshmallows can be a game-changer. The texture may not be identical to machine-made products, but it's infinitely preferable to the processed version.
Various chefs and bloggers have shared their unique marshmallow creations, from sweet potato casserole with mini marshmallows to creamy ambrosia salads. Some recipes use whipped cream or sour cream as a base, while others incorporate cottage cheese and orange jelly. The list of sweet dishes featuring marshmallows is endless, including s'mores, ginger biscuit scones, and toasted marshmallow martinis.
But not all marshmallow creations are sweet. Mashed sweet potatoes with a marshmallow topping is a savory dish that's both grimly authentic and enticing. Courgette soup with parmesan and burnt chilli marshmallows is another unique combination, where homemade marshmallows are spiked with chilli flakes and scorched to perfection.
Marshmallows can also be used as a textural element in desserts like strawberry mousse or cheesecake. The toasted marshmallow espresso martini is a showstopper cocktail that requires burnt marshmallow syrup and marshmallow-flavoured vodka. And for those feeling adventurous, there's even the option of making their own marshmallow fluff from scratch.
The versatility of marshmallows has opened up a world of possibilities in baking and cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an amateur baker, experimenting with marshmallows can be a fun and creative way to explore new flavors and textures.