I know this is dumb but I can't seem to get any marshmallow recipe to work. I've used fresh ingredients and tried three recipes (Better than store bought, Time Life The Good Cook, and the ATK video) and nothing seems to work. I make excellent marshmallow cream but nothing ever fluffs into marshmallows. I use a Kitchenaid professional mixer with a stainless steel bowl. Is that my issue? Should I beat at high speed using a copper or glass bowl? I have a number of vulgar jokes about being a failed fluffer but am refraining as this is a family friendly site. This has actually pierced the veneer of my patience and begun to tick me off. Please help.
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COMMENTS
Joshua H.
January 8, 2022
Follow up! After half a bottle of pinot noir I worked up some courage and tried again. I think I found the failure point. After 7 minutes of high speed whisking my kitchenaid changed noises and speed on its own and then the mix began collapsing on itself. I'm at a crossroads, is the outlet it was plugged into too low in amperage or is the mixer defective? I suppose more experiments are in order. Anyway, thank you for the detailed advice. I have one last question. This started because I went to a candy store which specialized in vintage candy. They sold marshmallows there and said that the original flavor was based on mallow plant extract. I'm also an avid gardener and married to a chemist. Is it worth trying to grow mallow and extract (stuff?) From it to attempt making authentic marshmallows? Thanks Lynn and you're a Saint for being patient with my weird cooking questions.
Lynn ClarkMilk Street Staff
January 10, 2022
Hi Joshua -
I'm not entirely sure what is going on with your mixer. I've mixed some pretty thick bread doughs for at least 10 minutes in my (very old) Kitchenaid and haven't ever had an issue with speed changes. I would probably contact Kitchenaid and ask them to troubleshoot. Meringue is pretty light and isn't really that taxing on a mixer so it probably shouldn't cause any technical issues with your mixer.
As for growing a mallow plant and using the root to make marshmallows, I would probably hold off on that until you feel more confident in making marshmallows with gelatin, since the mallow root would technically be a substitute for that. Mallow root was used to make marshmallow, or something similarly sticky, before gelatin (and would be good for a vegetarian/vegan version as well) because it contains mucilage, a natural thickening agent. The actual flavor is pretty bland - mildly sweet and earthy but nothing that would necessarily add much to your marshmallows, so probably not worth it for solely making an infusion or extract.
Best,
Lynn C.
Joshua H.
January 12, 2022
Thanks Lynn!
