![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Althaea_officinalis_-_K%C3%B6hler%E2%80%93s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-008.jpg)
Image of marshmallow plant courtesy upload.wikimedia.org.
The marshmallow plant, indigenous to Africa, was originally used in Egypt as a medicine for sore throats. The plant grew in salt marshes near large bodies of water. Its juices were extracted and mixed with honey to make a concoction suitable to give children with sore throats.
In the 19th Century, French confectioners started mixing the marshmallow root juice with egg whites and sugar producing a foamy meringue which hardened into a candy. Later, advance manufacturing eliminated the need for the root juice, thereby eliminating the marshmallow's medicinal qualities.
![](http://www.bigoven.com/uploads/Marshmallow.jpg)
Photo courtesy www.bigoven.com.
Confectioners started using gelatin instead, making the marshmallows more "stable", also adding corn syrup, dextrose, gum arabic and vanilla flavouring. In 1948, American Alex Doumak devised a way to pipe the fluffy mixture through a tube and then cut it into equal cylinders.
Recipes that call for marshmallows include: Rice Krispies squares, sweet potato casserole, hot chocolate, s'mores, ice cream flavours (Rocky Road) and fudge.
![Carnation Famous Fudge Recipe](http://0.tqn.com/d/homecooking/1/I/l/R/1/86054213.jpg)
Image courtesy homecooking.about.com.
CARNATION FAMOUS FUDGE RECIPE
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2. cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
Boil milk, sugar and salt in saucepan for 4 to 5 minutes on medium heat. Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts and vanilla. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into 8 inch square baking pan. Chill until firm.
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