You don't need a roaring fire to enjoy marshmallows. Just an ordinary kitchen microwave will do. Melted marshmallow fluff can be used in various desserts and dishes but also as a festive dip for those Graham crackers and gingerbread cookies. While it may seem simple enough — just toss the marshmallows into the microwave and hit start — melting marshmallows can be an extra sticky affair.
You will want to make sure that you approach it right to avoid a microwave full of sugary syrup and an afternoon scrubbing. There doesn't seem to be an exact number of marshmallows that you can microwave at one time. It really depends on the size of your microwave and your needs. However, we suggest you practice caution and go with a smaller number of marshmallows at first. This allows you to get a feel for how quickly they can melt. From there, you can increase the amount as needed. The most important thing to keep in mind is using a microwave-safe bowl. The last thing you want is a piping hot bowl that requires oven mittens or for your container to have melted due to non-microwavable plastic. Also, add a little bit of water to the mix to make things less thick when the marshmallows melt.
It's best to microwave marshmallows in short bursts. You don't want to let your marshmallows cook for more than 20 to 30 seconds at a time. It's best to check them about every 10 seconds to see how much they've melted. Marshmallows are a bit like butter in that regard. Likewise, you should stir the mixture so that the marshmallows melt evenly. You should also leave the bowl of marshmallows uncovered as it allows the heat from the microwave to directly heat the sweets.
Unlike when you cook marshmallows on the fire, you shouldn't expect marshmallows to burn. Instead, they should turn into a thick white liquid, which as mentioned above you can break up with water. Melting marshmallows should be a fairly quick process because marshmallows have an incredibly low melting point. They begin to melt at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. That being said, you should be careful when finished as it's likely that your marshmallows will be hot. As anyone who's ever made a s'more knows, marshmallows get pretty sticky when melted or cooked. The last thing you want is to accidentally burn yourself with the sticky mixture. Likewise, if you leave melted marshmallows out too long then they'll begin to harden. So it's something you want to use sooner rather than later.
Avoid Marshmallows Exploding In The Microwave
Failing to check your marshmallows in the microwave can have a rather messy side effect of microwaving marshmallows: They can explode, leaving the inside of your microwave looking like a sticky crime scene. Why does that explosion happen
It's all due to the air and gelatin inside of a marshmallow. A marshmallow is more than half air trapped by the elasticity of gelatin. That gelatin allows a marshmallow to expand, but it has its limits. When you apply the heat from the microwave, that causes the air inside of the marshmallow to expand. When it reaches a certain pressure point too quickly, the air will cause the gelatin to explode as it escapes causing quite a mess.
The reason this doesn't happen when roasting marshmallows is the Mallard reaction caramelizing sugar. So the best way to avoid having a mess is to microwave your marshmallow in small doses and keep mixing the mixture. This will get rid of any additional air inside and leave a gooey treat instead.
It's best to microwave marshmallows in short bursts. You don't want to let your marshmallows cook for more than 20 to 30 seconds at a time. It's best to check them about every 10 seconds to see how much they've melted. Marshmallows are a bit like butter in that regard.
You can also melt marshmallows in a microwave. Heat them in a large microwave-safe bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water. You'll need to check them every 10 seconds, stirring each time to ensure they melt evenly.
Since the sugar walls are warm and soft, the bubbles expand, and the marshmallow puffs up. If it puffs up too much, some air bubbles burst, and the marshmallow deflates like a popped balloon. When you take the marshmallow out of the microwave and it cools off, the bubbles shrink and the sugar hardens again.
It's all due to the air and gelatin inside of a marshmallow. A marshmallow is more than half air trapped by the elasticity of gelatin. That gelatin allows a marshmallow to expand, but it has its limits. When you apply the heat from the microwave, that causes the air inside of the marshmallow to expand.
Hold the marshmallow over the centre of the fire, close to but not touching the coals.Gently rotate the skewer, so the heat toasts the marshmallow evenly. You'll see it gradually change colour to a golden brown. Once it's toasted all the way around, your marshmallow will be ready to eat.
After marshmallows have been sitting around for a while, they start to dry out and the exterior gets firm. Most importantly, they don't melt nearly as well.
When marshmallows are roasted, a chemical change happens. When you toast marshmallows, the heat causes a chemical reaction producing water molecules, which then evaporate, leaving carbon behind (the blackened part of the roasted marshmallow).
The best way to soften up stuck-on food is to put a cup of water in the microwave and heat until it boils. Leave the door closed and then carefully remove the cup, the turntable, and the support ring from the oven. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any spatters, spots, or crumbs before proceeding.
Why do marshmallows get stickier as they are heated? Use chemistry to explain your answer. The air bubbles and sugar matrix help contain the gelatin inside the marshmallow. When heat or moisture is added to the marshmallow the air bubbles collapse allowing the gelatin to move freely.
You'll know it's ready when the sides start to turn a deep brown. This is what's known as the Maillard reaction; it's what happens between 140° and 165°C when parts of the sugars and amino acids react with each other, forming a complex mixture of delicious-tasting flavor compounds.
“Water molecules start to vibrate and heat and soften the sugar matrix. Also, the air bubbles heat up and expand. Since the sugar matrix surrounding the bubbles is softened, the bubbles are allowed to expand. The marshmallow expands and puffs up,” Wright said in an email.
The key is to use a sprinkle of water to melt marshmallows in the microwave. Water is the simple ingredient that changes everything, transforming the solid puffs into silky and smooth marshmallow cream. Why does this work? Well, marshmallows are essentially made out of liquid, gelatin, sugar, and air.
Etymology and origins. S'more is a contraction of the phrase "some more". A s'more recipe appeared in a Campfire Marshmallows cookbook in the early 1920s, where it was called a "Graham Cracker Sandwich". The text indicates that the treat was already popular with both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Start by placing your marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl. The size of the bowl will depend on how much melted fluff you need. If you're unsure, start with a larger bowl. Now it's time to sprinkle in the water to create the perfectly smooth marshmallow fluff in the microwave — just a couple of tablespoons are enough.
Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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