Sweet Success: Crafting the Perfect Marshmallow Sauce
When it comes to ice cream toppings, marshmallow sauce often takes a backseat to its richer, chocolatey counterpart. However, this underrated gem brings a unique texture and a burst of sweet vanilla flavor to the table. Plus, when chilled, it transforms into the ideal filling for whoopie pies or a decadent sandwich cookie.
The Secret to Success: Temperature Control
To achieve the perfect marshmallow sauce, one crucial element stands out: temperature. A reliable candy thermometer is essential for monitoring the syrup’s temperature, ensuring it reaches the critical 240°F mark.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following ingredients within arm’s reach:
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch fine salt
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipping Up the Egg Whites
Begin by placing the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat them on medium speed until frothy, about 1 minute. Next, add the cream of tartar and salt, increasing the speed to high until stiff peaks form, approximately 2 minutes more. Set the mixture aside for now.
Creating the Syrup
In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, water, and 3/4 teaspoon of the vanilla. Place the saucepan over high heat, stirring with a rubber spatula until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, occasionally swirling the pan (but not stirring with the spatula). Once the syrup reaches 240°F on your trusty candy thermometer, remove it from the heat.
The Final Stretch
With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg-white mixture. Continue beating until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and opaque, resembling molten lava. This process should take about 2 minutes in total. Beat in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon vanilla. Transfer the sauce to a container, cover it, and refrigerate until chilled before using.
The End Result
After following these steps, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously sweet and versatile marshmallow sauce. Use it to elevate your ice cream sundaes, whoopie pies, or even sandwich cookies. The possibilities are endless!
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