Winter melts away with Marshmallow.

Marshmallows are essentially a type of soft, chewy candy that is loved by many. This candy is soft and fluffy like cotton, and comes in many different colors. The main ingredients in marshmallows are gelatin, sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, etc. Although it sounds very sweet, its taste is not overpowering and is very addictive. It is one of the few popular snacks in the world. Especially, you can easily find them in supermarkets or convenience stores.

Regarding the origins of marshmallows, this candy dates back to ancient Egypt. At that time, people made marshmallows from the sap of the Althaea Officinalis tree (also known as the marshmallow plant) combined with nuts and honey to create a medicinal candy to treat sore throats. In modern times, the core of the marshmallow plant stem was used to cook with sugar syrup to create a soft, chewy candy.

At the beginning of the 19th century, French candy makers experimented with new methods by mixing the pulp of the marshmallow stem for longer periods to make the candy chewier and sweeter. Later, manufacturers began adding egg whites, cornstarch, and gelatin to improve the chewiness and allow for various shapes. Today, the technology and recipes for making marshmallows are very different. However, to produce the soft, sweet candy we see today, the chefs still need to be very meticulous.

However, the unique characteristic of marshmallows lies not in how they are prepared, but rather in how they are enjoyed. There are many ways to enjoy marshmallows; you can choose to toast them over charcoal, sandwich them with other types of bread, or even eat them with hot drinks.

Marshmallows are especially popular at winter camping trips. You can skewer them and grill them over a fire; the outer layer will melt into a caramel and harden, while the inside remains soft and delicious. Interestingly, grilled marshmallows have a wonderfully nutty aroma. Alternatively, if you don't like sweets, you can dip the marshmallows in chocolate. Imagine the perfect blend of the slightly bitter chocolate with the sweet, soft, and chewy marshmallow melting in your mouth. It's truly a wonderful flavor.

Additionally, you can choose to eat marshmallows with other baked goods like cookies or use them as a garnish on birthday cakes. Another way bartenders often combine marshmallows with hot drinks. Whether it's a cup of milk, cocoa, chocolate, matcha, or even cappuccino, it's all wonderful.

Winter has arrived, and I believe that temperate countries have begun with sweet, melting marshmallows sizzling over glowing embers.

Bao Khuyen