Strawberry marshmallows from A Little Bit Of Sweet. Photo by River Soma | THE NIBBLE.
|
STEPHANIE ZONIS is a Contributing Editor.
|
|
March 2011 |
 |
Marshmallow Madness
The Best Gourmet Marshmallows
Page 4: What’s New in Artisan Marshmallows
CAPSULE REPORT: This is Page 4 of a 4-page article on gourmet marshmallows, followed by reviews of our favorites in Part II. Click on the black links below to visit the other pages.
What’s New in Artisan Marshmallows
Flavors have gotten even more creative and exotic than they were three years ago when I tasted 21 different brands of marshmallows. Ghost Pepper, Prickly Pear, Rosemary Chocolate, Sweet Peach Jam & Orange Blossom and Elvis (a peanut butter core surrounded by a banana marshmallow, covered in chocolate and topped with a slice of dried banana) are just a few of the more unusual flavors I ran across this time.
Packaging has, in many instances, become fancier and more conducive to gift-giving. Some producers have clever assortments; some allow you to choose the flavors you’d like in these combination packages. Several marshmallow manufacturers commented that they were revamping their labels and/or packaging. Still, not everyone has gift boxes or bags; if you want something fancier for your marshmallow gift, make sure to ask if it’s available.
Stuffed With Chocolate
A few companies have discovered that chocolate or other treats work just as well inside marshmallows as they do outside of them. For instance:
- Juju Z Treat Company has several varieties of marshmallows, all of which contain a square of chocolate inside the mallow. These marshmallows are meant to be toasted, but even at room temperature, it’s a brilliant concept.
- Madyson’s Marshmallows has a range of mallows, shaped like miniature muffin cups and semi-split into two horizontal layers, with peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or other goodies “sandwiched” between the layers and peeking out on the sides—wonderful visual appeal.
- Nana’s Gourmet Comfort Co. makes both the Elvis (mentioned above) and the Francesco Amore, a smooth chocolate-hazelnut core surrounded by a hazelnut marshmallow, covered in chocolate and topped with a hazelnut.
Low-Fat, Fat-Free, Gluten-Free & Kosher Options
Marshmallows are pitched to special dietary interests.
- Low Fat & Fat-Free Marshmallows. Many marshmallows are low-fat or fat-free.
- Gluten-Free Marshmallows. Because most marshmallows are gluten-free, not every producer labels them as such. If you’re especially sensitive to gluten, however, ask before you buy.
- Kosher Marshmallows. A few brands are certified kosher, as well. Nana’s Gourmet Comfort Company, whose products I did not get to taste, occupies a unique niche here. Of the forty flavors of marshmallows they make, about thirty are certified kosher, but all are certified halal. If you don’t know, halal means “permitted” in Arabic, and halal foods are manufactured and processed according to Islamic dietary laws. With these several dozen flavors, Nana’s Gourmet, a boutique-scale manufacturer, is the world’s largest producer of halal/kosher mallows. Pete’s Gourmet Confections, reviewed in the last article, are also kosher-certified.
Continue To Part II: The Best Artisan Marshmallows
Go To The Article Index Above
|
