It may not feel like it outside, but according to my calendar, winter is officially here… and that means Christmas is just around the corner.
It also means we’ve made our annual pilgrimage to Rhode Island to spend the holidays with my sister and her family, laden down with gifts for our nephews and Canadian treats for my sister. In a few days, we’ll return equally laden down with bellies full of chowder and clam cakes and grilled pizza, which seems like a reasonably good trade to me.
Before we left, I whipped through the house in a last-minute frenzy of holiday preparations. I was like a whirling dervish of domesticity, tidying and cleaning and washing and dusting and folding and putting away.
Amidst all the preparations, I also made sure one last batch of this toasted marshmallow syrup was made and photographed. Because priorities. And because this syrup is really ridiculously good.
The inspiration comes from a toasted marshmallow latte they make at one of the fancy coffee places near my office during the colder months, which I am terribly in love with.
I only indulge once in a while, though, because making it a regular habit would land me in the poorhouse (or maybe the fat farm).
I don’t normally care all that much for overly sweet coffee drinks, but there’s something about the burnt sugar notes of the toasted marshmallow that keeps it from being downright cloying, especially since I skip the swirl of toasted marshmallow whipped cream they normally add.
Thankfully (or maybe not so thankfully, as far as my waistline is concerned), I recently discovered that toasted marshmallow syrup is actually pretty easy to make at home, and also doubles a good excuse to bust out the kitchen torch and play pyromaniac for a few minutes.
Not suprisingly, it’s as simple as melt whole toasted marshmallows into a basic simple syrup.
Once all the burnt bits are strained out, the end result is this beautiful amber-coloured syrup that tasted and smells just like the real deal… sweet and slightly smoky and skating just along the edge of burnt.
It’s the perfect pairing for this month’s featured Lavazza coffee, Gran Selezione, a robust blend of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans with rich, chocolatey notes. All you need to transform this duo into a homemade marshmallow latte is a generous pour of steamed milk. Pretty mug optional, though I do find it somehow makes things taste slightly better than an ordinary mug.
And since this time of year is all about sharing the love and spreading good cheer, I can’t help but point out that it makes a lovely gift, whether it’s a single bottle of syrup with a pretty handwritten tag, or nestled into a cozy coffee-lovers gift basket with a package of Lavazza coffee and a set of hand-painted coffee cups.
Just make sure to save a bottle for yourself, because I’m sure you’ve earned yourself a treat or two as well.
And on that note, I’m signing off for the rest of the holidays to enjoy some chowder, coffee milk and snuggles with little nephews. You can follow along on Instagram, or catch up once I’m back to my semi-regular posting schedule in the new year.
Wishing you all the happiest of holidays, from my kitchen to yours. (Or a merry Chinese-food-and-a-movie-day, if that’s more your speed.)
xo,
Isabelle
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Disclosure: I am being compensated for my participation in the Lavazza Passionista blogger program. All opinions, as always, are entirely my own. You can get more info on Lavazza products at http://www.lavazza-canada.ca/, or by following Lavazza on Facebook.
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Homemade Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This simple syrup adds toasted marshmallow flavour to lattes, milkshakes and even cocktails. Package it up in pretty glass bottles for holiday giftgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 8 large marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- While the syrup is simmering, thread the marshmallows onto a metal skewer and use a kitchen torch or the burner of a gas stove to toast the marshmallows until browned all over. (To get the best results, you want to get the marshmallows slightly scorched in spots, but not completely burnt and black) Stir the marshmallows into the hot syrup, and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the marshmallows have dissolved.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large glass measuring cup. Let cool completely, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cooled syrup into glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids. The bottled syrup will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Notes
To make this syrup into a toasted marshmallow latte, combine 1 oz of syrup with ¼ cup strong-brewed Lavazza Gran Selezione coffee (or a double shot of your favourite espresso) and top up with steamed milk.
I tried the recipe and it came out great! Thanks. I will use for lattes but also used it in a cookie recipe with toasted coconut. Yum yum!
If i could post a picture i would- very pretty syrup.
★★★★★
Thanks for the review, Toria. I’m very intrigued by the idea of using this syrup in a cookie. Sounds delicious!
I have just seen this recipe and actually had marshmellows in the cupboard so made it straight away OMG! I Can’t stop tasting it, and it’s still hot! I like to make my own presents for Christmas so this year I am making up hampers of American inspired Sweets and decorating then in an American theme , this syrup will now be part of the package!
★★★★★
That sounds like a wonderful idea for a gift, Debbie! So glad you enjoyed this syrup.
I tried making this tonight. Unfortunately I didn’t really get the “toasted” flavor. It definitely tasted like marshmallows. I am going to try it again. I may have to get them really toasted. I usually like my marshmallows burnt. I think I was a little light handed with the torch.
★★★
I tried making this tonight. Unfortunately I didn’t really get the “toasted” flavor. It definitely tasted like marshmallows. I am going to try it again. I may have to really get them toasted. I usually like my marshmallows burnt. I think I was a little light handed with the torch.
★★★
I’m sorry this didn’t quite work out for you, Kat. I scorched my marshmallows pretty thoroughly to make the syrup, but I stopped just short of burnt… if you like yours really torched, though, it might be worth pushing a bit further the next time you try. (And I really hope you do!)
Does this have the be refrigerated right away or would it be ok for a couple days? I would like to make this for christmas gifts, but my family is a few states away so it would have to be shipped
Good question, Kaleigh. It will keep at room temperature for a couple days, so it should be fine as long as your family pop it in the fridge once it arrives… I just found that when I tested this recipe, it eventually spoiled when it left it in the cupboard, but lasted almost indefinitely in the fridge.
Gonna use this to make a S’Mores Cocktail, thank you for this!!
★★★★★
Yum! What a great idea… I’m going to have to try this out for myself!
Gaston’s Tavern at Disney World has a frozen slushy drink called Lafou”s Brew. It is slushy apple juice with toasted marshmallow flavoring topped with a mango foam. The drink is amazing. I am not a mango fan so I could do without the foam, but this syrup recipe will definitely come in handy making my own “brew” at home.
Yes! This is the reason why I looked up this recipe! I’ve had Lafoo’s Brew and it’s identical to the slush drink served at the Cozy Cone at Car’s Land at Disneyland. I’ve been trying to relocate it. I hope this syrup with allow me to do so. I will be trying this week. I’ll keep you posted.
Looking forward to hearing if it lived up to your expectations, Jen!
This is literally being used for syrup this morning…over hot cocoa pancakes, topped with whipped cream and served with a side of sliced strawberries for a special birthday breakfast! After all, what is hot cocoa without marshmallows?! 😊
★★★★★
What a great idea, HeatherAnn! I’m pretty sure my citizenship would be revoked for putting anything other than maple syrup on my pancakes, but pretty sure I’d make an exception for hot cocoa pancakes… marshmallow is definitely better. Hope everyone enjoyed breakfast! :)
Can you can this and if so, can you tell me how long and at what pressure?D
★★★★★
Good question, Dee. I’m pretty sure there isn’t enough acid in this syrup to safely can in a hot water bath. I haven’t tried pressure canning, so I’m not really comfortable making a suggestion and potentially steering you wrong… you’re probably better off checking in with a canning expert who will be familiar with all the safety guidelines.
I will say, however, that this syrup will keep in the refrigerator for a really long time. I have a mint simple syrup I used for peppermint mochas that’s been in my fridge for a couple years now, and aside from a little crystallization on the bottom, it’s perfectly good!
I’m actually a frappaccino gal, but I’d imagine this would be really good in hot chocolate.
Veryyy cool idea!! But even cooler blog! Love the style, liked. Will come around more often :D
This makes me so happy! I am a coffee addict and I WANT this so much! I will be making this soon :) Thank you! Pinning too :)
This recipe is just plain wrong!?!? Like it’s going to be the downfall of my diet… What a simply fabulous syrup! Oh well, life is short…. I can start the diet next week…
What a great idea. I can’t wait to try this, it looks and sounds great.
Yum!!! Yummmm!!! This sounds amazing and I need it in my coffee right now!!!
★★★★★
Homemade MARSHMALLOW SYRUP!!! This is sure gon get made !!
OMG, I soooo want a big bottle of this syrup. Can’t wait to try it!
★★★★★
What a great idea, and a fantastic treat for special occassions. Happy new year to you!
I make a lot of coffee based drinks, and I feel that this syrup is just what I am missing! I am very excited to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
I didn’t know there was such a thing as marshmallow syrup, but I’m pretty sure my kids will insist on giving it a try. Would be great over a bit of whipped cream and hot chocolate.
I’m in LOVE!! I make simple syrups all the time but toasted marshmallow is a whole new level!
What a simple and tasty recipe for drinks! Wow, looks good :)
I had no idea you could make your own marshmallow syrup! This must be done NOW! Although I fear drinking it all and making my waistline even larger…haha.
Sounds so tasty! I had no idea it was this easy to make toasted marshmallow syrup!
This syrup is calling out my name!! Love it. Have a great time visiting your family for the holidays and safe travels!
This sounds like a wonderful treat!!