Toasted Marshmallows – Summer on a Stick
On 08/10/2015
The real treasure in a traditional s’more is a perfectly toasted to golden deliciousness marshmallow.
The Wikipedia definition of S’more: A traditional nighttime campfire treat popular in the United States and Canada, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker.
Some might say that the melted chocolate is their favorite ingredient in the s’more. Others enjoy the crispy graham cracker.
But, the real treasure is in a perfectly toasted to golden deliciousness marshmallow….
If you’ve ever toasted a marshmallow over an open fire, (and we think you will find few here in New England who have not yet done so), then you know that there’s a process to a perfectly toasted marshmallow. You need to head out to the trees to find exactly the right stick. The stick should be slightly thicker on one end than the other. You will need it to be long enough so that you won’t burn your hand, but not so long that it is too wobbly. Double-ended sticks are always a lucky find. (C’mon, New Englanders, you’re not buying the dowels, are you?) Once you have found the perfect stick, place one or two marshmallows securely (let us reinforce that concept – securely – make sure the stick comes all the way through the marshmallow – that’s key!) on the thinner end of the stick. Find a spot near the fire where you will be upwind so that the smoke will not blow directly into your face. Now, approach the fire, carefully, and find that sweet spot where the marshmallow will cook just right. Too close to the bottom – you get the black ashes. Too close to the top of the flames – instant marshmallow combustion. Find that spot, approximately 3 to 5 inches above the coals where you can get the marshmallow to cook slowly and caramelize to a nice golden color, while the inside cooks to the perfect gooey-ness. Make sure to rotate your stick so that the entire surface cooks uniformly.
To make your s’more, all you have to do now is place the marshmallow on top of one of the graham crackers that has been pre-loaded with a piece of chocolate. Place the other graham cracker on top of the cooked marshmallow. Now, you can slowly and carefully pull the stick out of the marshmallow and enjoy your perfect s’more.
But toasted marshmallows are not solely for s’mores! We love them for their sweet perfection all on their own. We also think they’re great to use in lots of different recipes. Here are a few ideas we’ve picked out to share with you.
Toasted Marshmallow Dipping Buffet.
Here’s a great way to turn toasted marshmallows into a fun experience by setting out a toppings bar for them. Set out a selection of sauce such as chocolate, caramel or butterscotch. Now, place a bunch of fun toppings out in separate bowls. You might consider selections for texture such as crunchy toppings like toasted nuts and crushed pretzels You might want to try out salty toppings to give you that irresistible sweet-salty combo. Try toasted coconut or sunflower seeds. Of course, you can stick to the standby choices of rainbow or chocolate sprinkles.
Creative Cookie Combinations.
Why stick to traditional graham crackers when toasted marshmallows are perfect in every kind of cookie. Need some great cookie ideas? Our favorite recipes come from Tricia at Friends. Food. Family she’s (always on the search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe)
Summer Fruit Fun Marshmallows
For lighter marshmallow deliciousness, keep some of summer’s fresh fruits – sliced into small-ish pieces – nearby. Once your marshmallow is toasted to perfection, pop a juicy piece of fruit into the soft part. Slices of strawberry, peach, nectarine, mango or blueberries will taste absolutely awesome surrounded by the toasted sweetness.
Got your own favorite marshmallow treat? Be sure to send them along, we’d love to share them with our friends.
Try some of our other summer recipes: