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{{for|the plant|Althaea (genus)}}

The '''marshmallow''' is a [[confection]] that, in its modern form, consists of [[sugar]] or [[corn syrup]], beaten [[egg white]]s, [[gelatin]] that has been pre-softened in water, [[gum arabic]], and flavorings, whipped to a spongy consistency. The traditional recipe used an [[herbal extract|extract]] from the [[mucilage|mucilaginous]] root of the [[Althaea officinalis|marshmallow plant]], a [[shrub]]by [[herb]] (''Althaea officinalis''), instead of [[gelatin]]; the [[mucilage]] acted as a [[cough suppressant]] .

Commercial marshmallows are a late nineteenth century innovation. Since 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. Current brands of commercially made marshmallows include Kraft and Nestle.

Marshmallows are also used in [[hot chocolate]] or [[Cafe mocha|café mocha]] (''mochachino''), [[Mallomars]], [[Peeps]] and other candy, [[Rice Krispie treats]], [[ice cream]] flavors such as [[Rocky Road]], and [[S'mores]], on top of candied [[yam (vegetable)|yams]] during [[Thanksgiving]], and in several other foodstuffs.

==Toasted or roasted marshmallows==
[[Image:RoastingMarshmallow.jpg|right|thumb|Roasting a marshmallow over a campfire.]]
A popular camping or backyard tradition in the United States is the toasting or roasting of marshmallows over a [[campfire]] or other source of an open flame. A marshmallow is placed on the end of a [[stick]] or [[skewer]] or [[antler]] and held over the fire until it turns golden brown. This creates a [[Caramelization|caramelized]] outer skin with a liquid, [[melting|melted]] layer underneath. According to individual preference, the marshmallows are heated to various degrees—from a gentle toasting to [[combustion|burning]] the outer layer. Either the toasted marshmallow can be eaten whole or the outside layer can be [[eating|consumed]] separately and the marshmallow toasted again. [[S'more]]s are made by placing the toasted marshmallow atop a slice of [[chocolate]] which is placed between two [[graham cracker]]s. Some companies such as [[The Hershey Company]] mass produce prepackaged [[S'more]]s.

==Marshmallows and vegetarians==
Marshmallows were originally made with the eponymous [[Althaea (genus)|marshmallow plant]] extract acting as a gelling [[agent]]. Most commercially manufactured marshmallows use [[gelatin]] instead of real marshmallow extract because of the expense. Many [[vegetarian]]s avoid gelatin, as it is usually derived from animal [[Rawhide|hides]] or [[bone]]s. Commercial [[kosher]] ''pareve'' marshmallows may also be considered unsuitable for vegetarians; they usually use [[fish]] gelatin. However, fish is deemed not to be meat in [[kashrut]], so they are an option for some.

It is possible to make marshmallows without [[gelatin]] by making them the traditional way, by using powdered marshmallow root, [[egg white]]s, [[cane sugar]], and [[vanilla]] extract, although powdered marshmallow root may be difficult to obtain. They also can be made using commercially-available [[gelatin]] alternatives. Other [[vegetable gum]]s often make an unsatisfactory [[product]] that does not have the [[spring]] or [[firmness]] expected of gelatin-based marshmallows. Some marshmallows marketed as appropriate for [[vegan]]s are made using [[carrageenan]] and [[agar]] as gelling [[agents]]. <ref>[http://www.veganstore.co.uk/marshmallows.html]</ref>

[[Marshmallow fluff]] and other slightly less [[firm]] marshmallow products generally contain almost no gelatin, which mainly serves to allow the familiar marshmallow [[confection]] to retain its shape. These non-gelatin products, known generally as marshmallow creme, are fine for any confection using melted marshmallows or where the [[shape]] is not that important. [[Balls]] of marshmallow [[creme]] can also be roasted, though it can be challenging and messy. Marshmallow creme can also be added to peanut butter and [[bread]] to create a [[peanut]] butter and marshmallow [[sandwich]], sometimes referred to as a [[fluffernutter]].

==See also==
{{commonscat|Marshmallows}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* [[Althaea (genus)|Marshmallow Plant]]
* [[Doumak|Doumak Inc]], inventors of the marshmallow extruder
* [[Peeps]], popular marshmallow confectionary
* [[Marshmallow creme]]
* [[Stay Puft Marshmallow Man]]
* [[Chubby Bunny]], children's game involving marshmallows

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

==External links==
* [http://home.howstuffworks.com/question128.htm The Marshmallow Explained] at [[HowStuffWorks.com]]
* [http://www.candyusa.org/Candy/marshmallows.asp National Confectioners Association: The Marshmallow.]

[[Category:Confectionery]]
[[Category:Marshmallows| ]]

Marshmallow - Revision history

MediaWiki default at 14:22, 22 October 2007