Hot cocoa weather approaches, much to my delight. Last year we covered the beauty of a good homemade hot chocolate, but what about the marshmallows, you say?
As much as I loved those pastel colored mini marshmallows in my cocoa as a child, I find them to be less than delicious these days. Warmed over a campfire, they're all magnificent regardless of shape, size and origin, but for consumption alone and in their original form, I find them to be dull and tasteless.
The French invented the marshmallow in the 1800s and still have a good handle on them as a confection that one can enjoy all on its own. Their flavored marshmallows are hard to beat, especially the violet and orange blossom varieties. Belgians also seem to have a penchant for the sweet treat and it shows in the quality of their product. Belgian marshmallows are generally very soft and fluffy compared to their American cousins. Unfortunately, European marshmallows aren't easy to find, they can even be difficult to locate online.
I was happy to uncover a package of La Nouba's Belgian beauties at the Feel-Rite on Delaware near Great Arrow. These delightful little pillows were not only tasty and inexpensive ($2.05), but are enhanced by the fact that they contain no fat, no carbohydrates, no preservatives and no sugar thanks to the sugar replacement known as maltitol syrup. The lavender and white two-tone coloring (made possible by the flavorless addition of black carrot juice) makes them even more adorable, and a sure winner with kids.
Feel-Rite Natural Food Shoppe
2141 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo 14216
716.837.7661