Mixed Review: Barefoot Contessa Homemade Marshmallow Mix
I have always thought of marshmallows as a sort of "magic" food, like Pop Rocks or bubble tea. How, exactly, are they made? Sugar is obviously a major ingredient, but what else goes into them? And why do they stay fresh for such an alarmingly long time? Curiosity got the better of me when I spotted the Barefoot Contessa's Homemade Marshmallow Mix—I absolutely had to try it, despite the $11 price tag.
As it turns out, when it comes to ingredients sugar is pretty much it. The box of marshmallow mix contained three pouches. The first was filled the unflavored gelatin; the second with sugar, corn syrup, sea salt, and natural flavors (to my taste, vanilla); and the third with confectioner's sugar and more natural flavors. The only thing I needed to add was water.
After dissolving the gelatin, I combined the contents of the second packet with 2/3 cup of water and boiled it until it reached the soft-ball stage. This took about 10 minutes. Then I poured it into the gelatin and beat the mixture at high speed for 14 minutes (you can do this with a stand mixer if you have one, but a hand-held electric mixer will work in a pinch).
At first I was skeptical—the syrup was so clear and thick—but if there is any magic in the marshmallow-making process, this is when it happens. After 10 minutes of beating the mixture began to lighten and turn white. Then it lost its syrupy texture and become pillowy and light. In the end, I had a bowl of what can only be described as fluff.
Since I don't have an 8x11-inch pan (who does? It's such an odd size) I dusted my trusty 9x9-inch pan with the contents of packet three and poured in the marshmallow mixture. Then I let it sit undisturbed on my kitchen table overnight.
The next morning I had a bit of trouble getting the giant marshmallow sheet out of the pan. It didn't really turn out the way the instructions suggested, so I ended up having to sort of lift it out carefully with a spatula, similar to how you might lift an enormous pancake out of a skillet. Once released from the pan, I found that while my giant marshmallow was impossible to cut with a knife—it kept sticking and tearing—poultry shears worked wonders.
In the end, the Barefoot Contessa's marshmallows were unlike any I've had. They were thick, weighty, and moist. They were also far more flavorful. While store-bought marshmallows can be cloying (to put it mildly) these tasted primarily of fresh vanilla.
While they were quite good on their own, what marshmallow review would be complete without a hot chocolate test? I plopped one in a mug and was thrilled with the results: instead of quickly dissolving into a sugary vapor, my marshmallow melted slowly into a creamy vanilla-laced foam. To quote Ina herself: "How bad can that be?"
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52 Comments:
We got two boxes of these for christmas. Now that we know they are good, we can make them. Otherwise they may have stayed in the cupboard for a very long time. Probably not though. Ramble, ramble, ramble...
Monkey4Sale at 8:07PM on 03/05/09
I like the review, but truthfully, marshmallows aren't hard to make. You did the two hardest parts (dissolving the gelatin, whipping it) yourself!
prestocaro at 8:09PM on 03/05/09
Are you serious that you can MAKE marshmallows? That is awesome; especially the one made for the hot chocolate test. I am going to have to keep this article.
Home Staging Courses
JanetP65066 at 8:26PM on 03/05/09
You can make these without a box. Even though I am sure making them with directions was not totally without merit.
JerzeeTomato at 8:28PM on 03/05/09
I had the same problem of getting homemade marshmallows out of the pan the first time. I now line the pan with parchment to make a sling to easily lift it out. I still sprinkle the pan with powdered sugar. I also toss the cut 'mallows in more powder sugar laced with a little cornstarch to keep them from sticking together for storage.
persephony4 at 8:36PM on 03/05/09
Here's an Alton Brown recipe for homemade marshmallows. I've always wanted to try this but I don't have a stand mixer and I don't think a hand mixer will do it.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-marshmallows-recipe/index.html
RegrettableFoodie at 8:41PM on 03/05/09
Always do marshmallows in pyrex glass. The glass is cool and the marshmallows release.
JerzeeTomato at 8:49PM on 03/05/09
@ RegFoodie, Thanks for the Alton version! Now I am interested. But what about Turkish Delight, anyone?
Pointy at 8:55PM on 03/05/09
I made Alton's recipe for Christmas this past year–they were phenomenal (and the ingredients cost a heck of a lot less than $11!)
I had no problems with pan release, you just have to be sure to use enough of the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture when you dust the pan.
djwtwo at 9:04PM on 03/05/09
Marshmallows are pretty easy to make - sort of a magician's trick, because people don't realize you can make them at home. Sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, water, flavor - that's all it takes.
cyberroo at 9:10PM on 03/05/09
I'm surprised that someone would buy a mix?! It's incredible to make them at home with ingredients from your own kitchen.
Lilartist at 9:27PM on 03/05/09
Aaaack! There's that awful word "cloying" again. LOL
A pizza wheel is great for cutting those sticky buggers.
buffy at 9:38PM on 03/05/09
ELEVEN DOLLARS? I calculated the costs when I made them from scratch and it might have been a dollar for the tray.
Maybe it's just the poor college student that is freaked out by the price--I'd rather save up for some real food!
veggieout at 9:53PM on 03/05/09
Marshmallows are so easy to make that it's really silly to buy a kit for them. I made a batch before Christmas (http://www.cooklocal.com/?p=129) and seriously... there's no reason to buy a kit at all. You go through pretty much all the same steps, but you don't have to spend $11.
cooklocal at 10:04PM on 03/05/09
Replying to my own comment to add the link to my own homemade marshmallows.
cooklocal at 10:08PM on 03/05/09
I make marshmallows in a teflon coated aluminum pan all the time --- the kind one can get in a grocery store. You just need to use plenty of corn starch/confectioners sugar to dust it. Spray lightly with an unflavored cooking spray and dust heavily, especially the corners. The marshmallows won't absorb it and they will release easily.
A good old-fashioned electric knife makes cutting them easier too. Keep lots of starch/sugar on hand to dust the newly exposed edge. I toss the cut ones into a strainer set over a plate to catch the extra starch.
And if you haven't tried them, strawberry marshmallows are sublime. Search for the recipe on e-gullet. I think Martha Stewart might have a variation too.
kjgibson at 10:37PM on 03/05/09
I made homemade marshmallows during Christmas and was also surprised by how easy it was to make. I didn't use a kit and simply followed a recipe, and it turned out fine.
$11 is a bit much for a kit that is not comprised of expensive ingredients. Next time you make it you can also drizzle it with chocolate and coconut shavings and it'll make for a nice treat. =D
avocadoboba at 11:21PM on 03/05/09
I think when Alton made them he used a pizza cutter to make the cutting easier
MikeA at 11:56PM on 03/05/09
Pointy : But what about Turkish Delight, anyone?
I'm not an expert, but I've bought this before. It's sort of a mix between marshmallow and nougat, and comes from the middle east. It has a soft, delicate, jelly-like consistency and is traditionally flavored with rosewater, but I've had some that tasted more nutty, like of pistachios. Here are some recipes. http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,turkish_delight,FF.html
DaveFaris at 12:52AM on 03/06/09
Frankly, marshmallows are so easy to make that I'm amazed anyone uses a box mix. Like prestocaro said, you basically did the hard part yourself by dissolving gelatin and whipping.
cupcakekelly at 1:03AM on 03/06/09
I am reminded of one of my favorite books, "Marshmallows" by Eileen Talanian. It has recipes for all kinds of marshmallows and other fluffy marshmallow related goodies.
The chocolate ones are heavenly but if you make them cover your mixer well. They splatter worse than the rest for some reason!
Laura Flowers at 1:23AM on 03/06/09
Wow. For eleven bucks, the stuff is premeasured and you get instructions. Not worth it. I went a little crazy making marshmallows recently, and I doubt I spend that much on the whole extravaganza.
dbcurrie at 1:40AM on 03/06/09
I love Ina, but as far as I'm concerned, not only are her mixes too pricey, they're still a mix and I'm trying to avoid all of them. Besides, there's a recipe for marshmallows in Barefoot Contessa Family Style (page 211 ) and online at the Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/toasted-coconut-marshmallows-recipe2/index.html
IndyGal at 8:32AM on 03/06/09
This plays right into my Love/Hate relationship with Ina. Why in the world would it be necessary for her company to market this product at such a ridiculously elevated price? I mean, really...
No wonder she's filthy, stinking rich.
juliebugsmama at 9:52AM on 03/06/09
Yep--homemade are SO easy to make without an $11 box. Just watch out for the odor emanating from the mixer--it's what I would imagine a glue factory smells like.
KevinFinnerty at 10:14AM on 03/06/09
I line my pan with wax paper, then nonstick spray. I also apply the spray to my kitchen shears. Works like a charm! And yes, it IS very easy to make from scratch.
prettytastycakes at 11:28AM on 03/06/09
Ina actually has a recipe in one of her books for homemade marshmallows which are DELICIOUS!!! I could have eaten the whole pan myself!!! Sorry I can't remember which book, but they are so easy and to spend anything on any of her mixes as much as I love her, it is insane!!!
Only thing-make sure you use a fair amount of powdered sugar on both the top and bottom so they come out of the pan and are easier to cut.
suschef at 12:52PM on 03/06/09
Does anyone know if the unflavored gelatin that comes with the kit is kosher?
americandesi at 2:35PM on 03/06/09
marshmallows really are easy to make--so why would anyone spend $11 on a mix?
Homemade are wonderful because they remind me of marshmallows from my childhood. Campfire brand marshmallow came in boxes with each row of marshmallows separated with a waxed paper. They were covered with corn starch.
Store bought marshmallows now are just too airy.
pielady at 5:29PM on 03/06/09
@DaveFaris, Thanks so much for your Turkish Delight link!!!! There are a few variations including one with lime jell-o that look like fun!
Now as for those package mixes under the Barefoot Contessa name etc., they strike me as "luxury" gifts that someone with good intentions gets someone else. They only seem like a good idea....
Pointy at 7:39PM on 03/06/09
@kjg I do not use anything teflon (a personal choice) I threw out everything teflon in 2000. There is just too much wrong with teflon.
I always use the pyrex and never had a stick yet also a person choice of mine. I also think that if you did grease/dust well you can get them to free up easy. I just prefer the pyrex.
JerzeeTomato at 8:41AM on 03/07/09
I use Alton Browns recipe and love it! and a batch sure doesnt cast me $11 check out his recipe before shelling out that kind of dough! SO is a huge fan of puffed rice treats and when I use fresh homemade marshmellows and add some mocha chocolate flavor, they dont last the day. lol
huneybumper at 8:56AM on 03/07/09
Not sure what chemicals Ina is using to go from syrup to pillow.
My favorite, pink marshmallows, using beetroot for colour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiRAo82j7n8
recipe:
http://www.channel4.com/food/recipes/chefs/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall/marshmallows-recipe_p_1.html
almostalwayshungry at 7:03PM on 03/07/09
While I agree about the ease of making them from scratch and the savings, the mix provided Lucy with the opportunity to give, making marshmallows a try, and it provided this discussion, which might convince others to make them from scratch. Sometimes, some recipes can seem daunting as it's not something people have tended to do in the recent past. I enjoyed the article and the comments.
Mares at 10:31PM on 03/07/09
I have never heard so much whining about $11. Has anyone been to a grocery store lately? Milk, bread and butter will cost you that. Also, I am a big fan of Ina because she does use the 'best' ingredients. If you are watching someone do a cooking show from the Hamptons, and you're expecting the 'frugal' gourmet, then you should watch another show.
BostonFoodMan at 8:51AM on 03/08/09
Eleven dollars!! Homemade marshmallows are so far and beyond anything you can buy in a grocery store and can be made for practically pennies. And... making them is not difficult.
livingtastefully at 12:59PM on 03/08/09
$11 is highway freakin' robbery. I make homemade marshmallows compulsively. Factoring in even the tiny amounts of color and flavor I add, it costs me probably $2 (MAYBE $3 if I'm using something like real vanilla bean or matcha) AT MOST to make each batch.
At least I don't feel betrayed or anything - I find Ina condescending and totally unappealing.
VerySmallAnna at 1:29PM on 03/08/09
I whipped up Alton's marshmallows last night and they are superb and EZ. I used a glass pan coated with Pam for Baking and the sugar cornstarch mix. Super fab and quick release. I cut them efficiently with a pizza chopper (not a wheel).
Hmm, now what can I do with all these marshmallows?
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-marshmallows-recipe/index.html
Pointy at 2:07AM on 03/09/09
@BostonFoodMan -- Precisely my point...for $11 I can get bread, milk and butter...but to pay $11 for a mix to make something like marshmallows is crazy. Now, if were discussing $11 for a large fried clams from Kelly's...well, NOW you're talkin'!! :o)
juliebugsmama at 9:57AM on 03/09/09
I don't know why anyone would need a Marshmallow Mix when the only ingredients are Gelatin, Sugar, Corn Syrup and Vanilla Extract. Doesn't everyone have these items in their pantry?
johanna1 at 10:17AM on 03/09/09
I'm with veggieout, this $11.00 pricetag is just sooooo Ina!
Google "homemade marshmallows" and get a plethora of recipes...you dont need a mix. It is so easy and cheap to start from scratch.
soapy at 10:22AM on 03/09/09
you're all missing the point- of course they're easier and cheaper and more fun to make from scratch- but Ina is trying to extend her brand and has run out of ideas for mixes. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who would be willing to pay $11 for this mix, and yes, probably as a gift. The $11 goes mostly to packaging up all the separate parts, putting them in the box, designing and printing the label, shipping them, etc. It is a complete waste of time and packaging.
spicegirl at 11:20AM on 03/09/09
I will join everybody in saying that the BC kit is well overpriced - you are payng for convenience and a LOT for the name.
One thing to remember is to make marshmallows, like any meringue-type item, on a dry day. Do it on a rainy day and they get stickier. Marshmallows are just a variation on italian meringue, which is made by beating hot sugar syrup into beaten egg whites. Think of marshmallows that way and they make a lot more sense.
I've seen recipes for many flavours, including strawberry, raspberry, chocolate, cinnamon, lemon, orange, and mint. They are definitely worth trying. The hard thing is marshmallows for vegetarians, as agar gives a different result than gelatin. I'm working on this with a friend.
@DaveFaris - Turkish Delight is not at all like marshmallows. It's more of a jelly candy in the versions I have had, dusted with sugar to keep from being sticky the way American jelly candy is sanded. I was introduced to it by the C.S. Lewis books and could get it as a child in England and was not impressed. Maybe I don't like eating flowers as the rosewater version seems to be most prevalent. I have been happier as an adult making my own flavours. Some of your links are to baked goods which aren't really the sweet; I would say only #1 and #5 are really Turkish Delight.
morgancain at 11:41AM on 03/09/09
There are two basic recipes for making marshmallows; those using egg whites and those using gelatin. I have made recipes using both methods over the past 25 years. When my son was little (he's now 21) I had to make our own because of his corn allergy and even kids with allergies deserve brightly colored marshmallow "chicks" in their Easter baskets! Now I only make these treats twice a year, Christmas and Easter.
GuaranteedGF at 11:50AM on 03/09/09
I'm really into making homemade marshmallows from scratch. I love to give them as gifts--people are always so amazed! Plus, you can make all sorts of flavors or coat them in fun things like colorful sprinkles or cocoa.
http://www.aldenteblog.com/2008/11/marshmallows-ho.html
KitchenMaus at 12:53PM on 03/09/09
I will NEVER buy any Barefoot Contessa or Williams Sonoma or any other "designer" pre-packaged food mixes no matter what the cost. How can they be good??? Also do not give them to me as a gift!
Pointy at 1:41PM on 03/09/09
@BostonFoodMan well, some of us work jobs barely above minimum wage. for me to spend more than $11 for all my food for the entire day is an extravagance. but then again, i cant afford cable to watch ina's show either [though i do like her!]
but agreed, this would be a lovely gift... although if someone gave it to me i would be like "wtf, marshmallows?" spend the $11 to get me some real food. but i would still make them and enjoy them.
redzerostar at 8:43PM on 03/09/09
ya'll inspired me to make marshmallows over the weekend. My peeps thought I was crazy and told me "you know you can buy these pretty cheap in bags at the store". They did admit that mine WERE better than the store bought bag kind.. so if you are a marshmallow LOVER make you're own, they weren't hard to make, just sticky!
TeriN at 9:29AM on 03/10/09
Pielady, thank you. My niece and I made marshmallows for New Year's and they were so delicious. I told her and my husband both that in my youth we were able to get Campfire marshmallows and that Kraft just never did compare. The real ones, though? We all thought we'd died and gone to heaven. I used a recipe from BrownieBites. And really, a boxed mixed for stuff you already have in your house? You still have to do all the work, well I guess it saves you measuring stuff. Take me out to dinner instead, I can't afford it anymore.
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missjess at 10:08PM on 03/20/09
It seem like can really make marshmallow with the way you provided. I'll keep the article and make it myself during holiday.
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vincent668 at 12:01PM on 07/05/09