| Revision as of 07:08, 17 December 2004 view sourceClockworkLunch (talk | contribs)7,863 editsm Reverted edits by 24.205.237.136 to last version by Stan Shebs← Previous edit | Revision as of 07:46, 17 December 2004 view source Cecropia (talk | contribs)Bureaucrats, Administrators12,719 edits Vegetarian marshmallows (more people care than you might imagine)Next edit → | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
| Most commercial marshmallows are unsuitable for strict ]s, since the gelatin used is almost universally derived from ] sources. | |||
| Marshmallows are popular with children and adults alike, and can be eaten with or without accompaniments. In ], marshmallows are often placed on top of a dish of candied ]. By far the most popular places to find marshmallows are as roast marshmallows, in ]s, in ] and in ]. ] are a puffed ] ] that are combined with melted marshmallows, produce a crunchy, sweet bar. S'mores are traditionally made by cooking a marshmallow over an open fire, especially a ], and then placing it with ] between ]. Marshmallows are also often added to ] or ] (mochachino). Marshmallow is an ingredient of ]. | Marshmallows are popular with children and adults alike, and can be eaten with or without accompaniments. In ], marshmallows are often placed on top of a dish of candied ]. By far the most popular places to find marshmallows are as roast marshmallows, in ]s, in ] and in ]. ] are a puffed ] ] that are combined with melted marshmallows, produce a crunchy, sweet bar. S'mores are traditionally made by cooking a marshmallow over an open fire, especially a ], and then placing it with ] between ]. Marshmallows are also often added to ] or ] (mochachino). Marshmallow is an ingredient of ]. | ||
| ==Marshmallows and vegetarians== | |||
| Most commercial marshmallows are unsuitable for strict ]s, since the gelatin used is almost universally derived from food ] ]s or ]s. Similarly, commercial ] ''pareve'' marshmallows usually use ] gelatin. ]-derived ]s often make an unsatisfactory product that does not have the spring or firmness expected of gelatin-based marshmallows. | |||
| It is possible to make marshmallows suitable for vegtarians (though not ]s) by making them the traditional way, using powedered marshmallow root, ] whites, ], and ] extract. | |||
| Also, ] and some other non-firm marshmallow products, either the commercial product or homemade, are suitable for vegetarians as most contain no gelatin, which mainly serves to allow the familiar marshmallow confection to retain its shape. Marshmallow fluff is fine for any confection using melted marshmallows or where the shape is less important, such as 'smores. Balls of marshmallow fluff ''can'' be roasted, though it can be challenging and messy. | |||
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Revision as of 07:46, 17 December 2004
A marshmallow is a type of 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.
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.
Marshmallows are popular with children and adults alike, and can be eaten with or without accompaniments. In Thanksgiving, marshmallows are often placed on top of a dish of candied sweet potatoes. By far the most popular places to find marshmallows are as roast marshmallows, in jello salads, in Rice Krispies treats and in s'mores. Rice Krispies are a puffed rice breakfast cereal that are combined with melted marshmallows, produce a crunchy, sweet bar. S'mores are traditionally made by cooking a marshmallow over an open fire, especially a campfire, and then placing it with chocolate between graham crackers. Marshmallows are also often added to hot chocolate or café mocha (mochachino). Marshmallow is an ingredient of Mallomars.
Marshmallows and vegetarians
Most commercial marshmallows are unsuitable for strict vegetarians, since the gelatin used is almost universally derived from food animal hides or bones. Similarly, commercial kosher pareve marshmallows usually use fish gelatin. Vegetable-derived gums often make an unsatisfactory product that does not have the spring or firmness expected of gelatin-based marshmallows.
It is possible to make marshmallows suitable for vegtarians (though not vegans) by making them the traditional way, using powedered marshmallow root, egg whites, cane sugar, and vanilla extract.
Also, marshmallow fluff and some other non-firm marshmallow products, either the commercial product or homemade, are suitable for vegetarians as most contain no gelatin, which mainly serves to allow the familiar marshmallow confection to retain its shape. Marshmallow fluff is fine for any confection using melted marshmallows or where the shape is less important, such as 'smores. Balls of marshmallow fluff can be roasted, though it can be challenging and messy.
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