Buffalo Rising Online

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, Eur…