Marshmallow

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, a shrubby herb (Althaea officinalis), instead of gelatin; the mucilage performed as a cough suppressant.

Related Topics:
Confection - Sugar - Corn syrup - Egg white - Gelatin - Water - Gum arabic - Recipe - Marshmallow - Herb - Althaea officinalis - Mucilage

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Commercial marshmallows are a late 19th century innovation. Since Alex 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.

Related Topics:
19th century - Alex Doumak - Patent - 1948 - Cylinder - Cornstarch - Confectioner's sugar

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Marshmallows are popular with children and adults alike, and are eaten with or without accompaniments. The most popular and traditional type of marshmallows are roasted marshmallows, usually prepared over a campfire. Roasted marshmallows are often used in s'mores. In the United States marshmallows are also found in hot chocolate or café mocha (mochachino), Mallomars, on top of candied sweet potatoes during Thanksgiving and in the confectionary rice krispie treat. Marshmallows take so little heat to roast that they can even be roasted by the flame of a candle. They can be melted in a pan on the stove to make s'mores.

Related Topics:
Campfire - S'mores - United States - Hot chocolate - Café mocha - Mallomars - Sweet potatoe - Thanksgiving - Rice krispie treat - Candle

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