by Michelle Jones
This sweet treat is cheap and easy to keep stored in the pantry. Buying the store brand will help save even more money. Here's a few ways to enjoy mini-marshmallows by the handful!
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Aside from the most popular use for mini-marshmallows (Rice Krispie Treats, because they melt quicker than regular large marshmallows), here are some of our favorites:
A small handful while waiting for a delayed dinner.
Topping off a cup of hot chocolate, which the kids ask me to make any time they've been outside in the cold weather for more than 5 minutes.
On a cold winter day, we make mini-marshmallow S'mores at home. Sandwich together two graham crackers with a piece of Hershey's chocolate bar and a few mini-marshmallows. Heat in the microwave until the marshmallows and chocolate are melted together just a bit, about 30-45 seconds. YUM!
Add them to a bowl of homemade trail-mix; pretzels, raisins, peanuts and mini-marshmallows!
Sprinkled on a banana that's spread with peanut butter.
Sprinkled inside a peanut butter sandwich. This is the only way I can get my two-year old to eat a peanut butter sandwich right now, and of course, my inspiration for this article! ;o)
They also make quite a tasty addition to a plain bowl of Rice Krispie cereal and milk. Do not add extra sugar.
Here's even more ideas from our readers:
"We love to spread graham crackers with peanut butter (instead of chocolate) and put a few marshmallows on top. Microwave for a few seconds until the marshmallows melt and put another cracker on top." - Rachel Keller
"I add them to sweet potatoes. You can bake them like regular potatoes and add butter and marshmallows and cinnamon or you can mash them with a bit of orange juice and mix in marshmallows. This way makes little pockets of mushy marshmallow and my daughter loves to dig thru and find them. But she has to actually eat the sweet potato. Otherwise, she won't touch the things." - Melinda Lyons
Editor's note: We do this too Melinda, I have a wonderful recipe for Sweet Potato casserole I'll try to share with y'all around Thanksgiving or Christmas!
"On top of cupcakes or cakes. They stay nicely in the freshly spread icing, make a pretty garnish and the kids love them. We like them with chocolate icing the best!" - Butz
"My ten year old son and I like to get a skinny wire and "roast" marshmallows over a candle." - Gina
"Scoop out the core of an apple but leave the bottom. Fill with peanut butter, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, raisins, etc." - Chad and Wendy
"My mom would sprinkle them on top of a cake fresh from the oven. She would stick the cake back in the oven for a few minutes until the marshmallows were browned. This made a nice gooey topping and no need for frosting." - Raisinett
"For a sweet-n-salty treat, we layer a pan or cookie sheet with Ritz crackers and top them with marshmallows. Pop them in the oven for a minute or so until the marshmallows toast on top. Let cool for a moment before indulging." - Gina K.
"At Christmas time give them a little baggie of mini-marshmallows as a stocking stuffer with a decorated tag attached which says 'SNOWMAN POOP'. This should be good for a laugh or two." - Michelle M.
"I know it was already suggested to use marshmallows on a peanut butter sandwich, but my mom used to make peanut butter toast topped with marshmallows for a warm treat, or as a filling hot breakfast. Great for kids who won't eat breakfast foods, and a good way to disguise whole wheat or other healthier types of bread! Dot the bread with butter in a few places--just a small amount for taste--but not enough to make the bread soggy. Place in a preheated oven just long enough for the butter to melt and the bread to slightly brown on both sides, at least long enough to make it firm where it will hold everything without falling apart when picked up. Remove from oven, and switch the oven to broil. Cover each slice with a generous layer of smooth or chunky peanut butter, and place 9-12 miniature marshmallows on top. Place slices under broiler until marshmallows are browned, and peanut butter starts to bubble. Remove from oven and gently mash the marshmallows until they spread out. Let this cool slightly before serving, it will be hot! This was a favorite in cold weather, and is also a way to use leftover biscuits or bagels." - Connie F.
"We put one big marshmallow (or several minis--depending upon what's in the pantry) in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent drips. Works great! Thanks for all the great info!" - Lily
"Got any plain popcorn and some mini marshmallows lying around? If so just melt the marshmallows in a small pan over the stove. Once melted mix it in with the popcorn in a small square cake pan to make Popmallows. That's what my sister calls them!" - Caitlyn
(These two readers have the same great idea!)
"I use marshmallows to make my gooey popcorn. My kids and husband love it and often request it for a snack. Melt marshmallows just as you would for Rice Krispie treats but add it to popcorn instead. I use microwave popcorn so I can make this treat fairly quickly. You can serve it on a plate all warm and gooey, or make them into popcorn balls. However you choose to serve it it is a good idea to butter your hands so it doesn't stick." - Tara
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