Marshmallows!

“There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow”

-Andy Williams

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is one of my favourite holiday songs especially when it’s sung by Andy Williams. When you hear it, it means it’s time to get ready for Christmas. We have decided to zone in on the lines which talk about marshmallows and parties and we have found for you some very interesting and delicious marshmallow concoctions that you can serve at your holiday gatherings.

Marshmallows are a very easy ingredient to add into your baked treats and home cooking. You can easily spruce up your hot cocoa by adding some and they can be a quick topping for your ice cream or pudding. 

We’ve compiled some easy recipes so that you can pull out your marshmallows and make some extra special gooey holiday treats. 

Rice Krispie Trees

If you want to try something different from the usual holiday gingerbread houses, try these Rice Krispie trees. Rice Krispie treats are always popular so I’m sure these trees will be too.

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/marshmallow-krispie-christmas-trees

S’mores Popcorn

Popcorn is such a yummy treat but add some sweet s’mores to the mix and it’ll be a sure fire hit!

http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/smores-popcorn-35649/

Dessert Poutine

This sounds very interesting; it’s definitely worth a try. I don’t usually think of sweet and poutine.

http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dessert-poutine/9506/

Sweet Potato Casserole

 

I’ve always heard about sweet potatoes and marshmallows; apparently they are a good combination.

http://www.marthastewart.com/336694/sweet-potato-casserole

Snowmen on a Stick

Marshmallows on a stick, enough said. Awesome!

http://www.makelifelovely.com/2012/12/marshmallow-snowman-on-stick.html#

 Here's another take on the marshmallow snowman; this time on a sled not a stick.

http://www.oceanspray.ca/Recipes/Corporate/Crafts/Marshmallow-Snowmen.aspx

And reindeer on a stick too!

http://www.freefunchristmas.com/christmas-recipes/chocolate-covered-marshmallow-reindeer/

Marshmallow Milk Shake

This looks delicious. There are toasted marshmallows on top and blended marshmallows inside. This is a must make drink.

http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/toasted-marshmallow-milkshake/13286/

S’mores Dip

Again more s’more treats! It is usually the first thing that people tend to think about when they think about marshmallow treats. I have never ever had a s’more but this looks like a good way to try one for the first time. 

http://www.allcreated.com/smores-dip-skillet-oven-baked-easy-recipe-graham-crackers/

Whoopie Pies
(From America's Test Kitchen)

Here's another marshmallow recipe that we've actually made. Whoopie Pies aren't really pies, they're sandwich cookies. You can make them in lots of different flavours, but we're going to make the traditional version. If you have some time. they're a really yummy treat to make. 

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients
Cakes
2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/ tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Filling
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups marshmallow creme

Directions
1. For the cakes: Adjust the oven racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda an salt together in a medium bowl.

2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 6 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined, about 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl and beaters as necessary.

3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly mix in half of the flour mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk. Repeat with half of the remaining flour mixture, and the remaining buttermilk. Add the remaining flour mixture until combined.

4. Scoop generous 1/4-cup mounds of batter on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart (we made them less than 1/4 cup, so we had mini whoopie pies). Bake the cakes until they spring back when pressed, 15 to 18 minutes, switching and rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking. Let the cakes cool completely on the baking sheets about 1 hour.

5. For the filling: Beat the butter and confectioners' sugar together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and salt. Beat in the marshmallow creme until incorporated, about 2 minutes.

6. To serve, spread 1/2 cup of filling (or less) evenly over the bottom of a cake then make a sandwich by pressing the bottom of another cake onto the filling; repeat with the remaining cakes and filling.

Enjoy!