The Ultimate Confessions of a Marshmallow Maniac
The year 1984. The memory vivid, engaging, and life-altering. No, it’s not Orwell’s book, 1984, that set the world on fire by projecting the future of oppression and a ban on individuality with all human actions being watched over by “big brother.” Yes, 1984 was the year I got married. Vivid, yes, Memorable, yes. Life-altering, yes, BUT alas, not as much as something even more exhilarating. The striking, engaging, and life-altering event introduced something so paranormal, so huge, so influenced by Twilight Zone, not Twilight. It can’t be, it can’t be…yes, it is, it’s The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.
Marshmallows? Really?
I don’t know about you, but the magical vision of marshmallows roasting over an open fire is what kept me going through this long, frigid winter. The warm, open fire flames were flickering, a long stick holding a lone marshmallow as it slowly turns from a solid white to light, gooey brown. Or, if you didn’t have the patience to master the light gooey brown, then you earned a crispy, ashen black blob that comes out of the fire bringing its own fire, which is blown out like a birthday candle. Both are then quickly put between graham crackers dressed in chocolate. Bite in…delicious!
During those long winter nights, I wondered what the origin of marshmallows was and found out that the history of marshmallows was first enjoyed by ancient Egyptians as early as 2000 BC. It was vastly different from today. It was considered a special treat that was reserved for only the gods and royalty of the time. I am guessing that even though there appear to be no records that they roasted them, they were probably found in the tombs along with their servants and favorite cats.
No one knows exactly who started the tradition of roasting modern marshmallows. However, in 1927 the Girl Scout Handbook was the first documentation of the recipe combining marshmallows with chocolate and graham crackers. I was introduced to s’mores while staying at a girl scout camp. This experience was carried forward from generation to generation and is a United States phenomenon. S’mores and ghost stories always go together for me.
S’mores are synonymous with camping and summer fun, but you don’t have to be a girl scout to enjoy. In the summer months, I love bonfires at the beach, and the fundamental tools needed to deliver this treat included: a stick, graham crackers, milk chocolate chips, marshmallows, and of course, a roaring bonfire. Yes, there are the hard-core marshmallow fans that consider this a year-round snack. With a microwave or the perfect backyard pit, which is definitely a treat that keeps on giving.
I didn’t know how to make marshmallows, but someone did a survey and asked how marshmallows are made. Intrigued, I learned that the items that end up on the top of the list include sugar, vanilla extract, egg whites, glucose syrup, a candy thermometer, and lots and lots of stirring. A quick Google or Pinterest search can find creative recipes using some of these essential ingredients.
For our Marshmallow Mystery children’s book, we decided to provide a recipe as a value add. But first we attempted to make marshmallows from scratch, just to be sure it was doable. Easy, right? Or so we thought. First, we used Martha Stewart’s recipe. Failed. A few random recipes found on Google labeled “easy” marshmallow recipes or “failproof” but alias the failed attempts were too many to count. Therefore, from first-hand experience we had, creating regular marshmallows is difficult for the mere human and in my opinion both an art and science for the food producers. A new respect for the marshmallow makers of the world.
Breaking news! Today, I just learned that there is an innovation that has rocked the marshmallow world and that will change my s'more eating days forever. This company has the inclusion of chocolate inside of the marshmallows! Yes! Seriously, INSIDE of the marshmallows. Brilliant! The company, Stuffed Puffs. Where have you been my entire life?!
Knowing what I know about marshmallow making, adding chocolate inside marshmallows is not an easy feat. If it were, every food-producing company would be doing it.
Stuffed Puffs, THANK YOU! I love chocolate and marshmallows! I especially like your tenacity and commitment to perfection. Thank you for making my s'more making more streamlined and fun.
Even though I would never think of roasting the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, if there ever was a shortage of marshmallows, or if he were stuffed with chocolate, well then, all bets are off. Watch out, Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man!
The year 2021. The memory vivid, engaging, and life-altering…and a new tradition begins. Stuffed Puffs chocolate infused marshmallows! Grandkids, a new and exciting tradition to share!
Coming to Amazon July 2021: The Marshmallow Mystery
