Marshmallows good for more than s’mores

DESSERT: MARSHMALLOWS

When one thinks of modern day S’mores, the No. 1 ingredient that comes to mind is marshmallows. Originally, the marshmallow was a honey-based candy thickened with the sap of the marshmallow plant. Until the mid 1800s, marshmallow candy was made using this method, but by the late 1800s, the demand for marshmallow candy increased, according to Nabisco Recipes. As a result, the "starch mogul" system was born. Marshmallows were produced in molds of modified cornstarch (like other candies such as jelly beans and gummies). Gelatin was the key ingredient that replaced the sap in the modern recipe.

In 1948, further advances were made in marshmallow production. Marshmallow manufacturer Alex Doumak discovered the "extrusion process," which significantly sped up marshmallow production. This process involved piping the ingredients through long tubes and cutting their tubular shape into equal pieces. The marshmallow most commonly is known as the key ingredient in S’mores, and often is used as a topping for ice cream or hot cocoa.

S’moritos (a delicious twist to your average S’mores)
courtesy of foodnetwork.com (Bobby Flay)

Ingredients:

4 large flour tortillas
1 cup milk chocolate chips
2 cups miniature marshmallows
Optional fillings (mix and match these other S’morito filling ideas to find your favorite):
Pie filling (any flavor), butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, caramel sauce, hot fudge, candied fruit, etc.

Heat grill or build a fire. Place four pieces of aluminum foil on counter or table. Place one flour tortilla on each piece of foil. Scoop chocolate chips and marshmallows (and other toppings you may have added) into the center of tortilla. Roll like a burrito, capturing all ingredients inside.

Completely cover the rolled S’morito with aluminum foil. Using long-handled tongs, place each S’morito on the grill or the campfire coals. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the heat intensity of the fire, turning often to ensure even cooking. The S’moritos are done when all ingredients have melted together.

Oreo Decadence Bars
italkraftfoods.com

Ingredients:

23 Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, coarsely crushed (about 2 1/2 cups crumbs)
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
3/4 cup peanuts, chopped
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350º. Mix cookie crumbs and butter until well blended. Sprinkle one cup crumb mixture on bottom of lightly greased 8-inch square baking pan.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips, marshmallows and peanuts. Top with remaining crumb mixture. Pour condensed milk evenly over crumbs. Bake 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Cut into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.