Marshmallow
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 plant, 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.
Marshmellows are popular with children and adults alike, and are eaten with or without accompaniments. In the United States and elsewhere, marshmellows are also used in hot chocolate or café mocha (mochachino), Mallomars, in Peeps and other candy, on top of candied sweet potatoes during Thanksgiving, in Rice Krispie treats, in ice cream flavors such as Rocky road, and several other foodstuffs.
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[edit] Roasted or toasted marshmallows
A popular, traditional treat is created by toasting marshmallows usually over a campfire or other source of open flame. A marshmallow is placed on the end of a stick or skewer and heated briefly. This creates a caramelized outer skin with a liquid, melted layer underneath. According to individual preference, they are heated to various degrees—from a gentle toasting to igniting and burning the outer layer. Either the toasted marshmallow can be eaten whole or the outside layer can be consumed separately and the marshmallow toasted again. S'mores can also be made by placing a toasted marshmallow with chocolate between graham crackers.
[edit] Marshmallows and vegetarians
Marshmallows were traditionally made with the eponymous marshmallow plant extract acting as a gelling agent. Most commercially manufactured marshmallows use gelatin instead of real marshmallow extract because of expense. These marshmallows are unsuitable for vegetarians, since gelatin is usually derived from animal hides or bones. Commercial kosher pareve marshmallows are also non-vegetarian; 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 suitable for vegetarians by making them the traditional way, using powdered marshmallow root, egg whites, cane sugar, and vanilla extract, although powdered marshmallow root may be difficult to obtain. They can also be made using commercially-available gelatin alternatives [1]. Other vegetable gums often make an unsatisfactory product that does not have the spring or firmness expected of gelatin-based marshmallows. Some marshmallows marketed as appropriate for vegans are made using carrageenan and agar as gelling agents. [2]
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. These non-gelatin products, known generically as marshmallow creme, are fine for any confection using melted marshmallows or where the shape is less important, such as S'mores. Balls of marshmallow creme can 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.
[edit] Marshmallow related deaths
At least two deaths have been attributed to the game Chubby Bunny which involves marshmallows. In 1999, a 12-year-old girl choked to death at Glenview Elementary school in Illinois, and on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2006, in London, Ontario at the Western Fair, a 32 year old woman collapsed off stage. Despite immediate medical intervention the woman died a day later.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
[edit] Marshmallow test
Marshmallows form the core of the Marshmallow Test, a simple yet surprisingly predictive test of SAT scores and other characteristics of success in later life that can be applied to young children.
[edit] Recipe for Marshmallows
The manufacturing of marshmallows today is drastically different than how they were made in the nineteenth century. In the nineteenth century marshmallows were made using root sap which has been substituted by gelatin. The gelatin is mixed with corn syrup, starch, sugar and water. The delicate mixture is piped through long tubes. After the mixture has been piped, it is then cut into equal pieces.
If one wishes to create shaped marshmallows, for example Peeps, a special nozzle moves is sequenced patterns to divide the marshmallow into the desired shapes.
Marshmallows can also be made in the comfort of your own living quarters. The mixture is very similar, on the contrary, salt and vanilla extract can be added in for increased flavor. This information was gathered from http://www.candyusa.org/Candy/marshmallows.asp]
[edit] References
- ^ Woman dies after choking at fair London Free Press, September 15, 2006. Retrieved September 15, 2006
- ^ Civil trial begins in 'Chubby Bunny' death. Medill News Service, May 26, 2005. Retrieved July 7, 2005
- ^ Glenview Elementary School District 34 Wrongful Death Settlement
- ^ Chubby Bunny Death: A child suffocated while playing a "Chubby Bunny" marshmallow-stuffing game (Snopes.com)
- ^ "The Chubby Bunny Game" May Be Hazardous To Your Patients' Lives Case review - Joseph R. Hageman, MD, FAAP, FCCM - Department of Pediatrics, The Evanston Hospital, Evanston IL, and Northwestern Medical School, Chicago IL
[edit] See also
