Today, August 30th, is National Toasted Marshmallow Day.

Marshmallows are not a recent creation. In one form or another, they actually date back to ancient Egypt, when a medicinal version was made from the marshmallow plant.

Modern marshmallows are usually made from sugar/corn syrup, water and gelatine which is whipped until spongy and then moulded into shape.

Toasted marshmallows are a camping tradition from America and Australia where marshmallows would be speared on a stick and then toasted over a campfire. The outer skin caramelises, and the inner becomes molten. You don't need a campfire of course; other sources of heat will still do the trick.

Image: Morguefile