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How do you keep marshmallows fresh after you’ve opened thebag?
You know what happens: after you tear open a sealed bag andmeasure out the marshmallows you need in a cookie recipe, you put a twist tieon the bag and set the bag on your pantry shelf …
… until the next time you need marshmallows in a cookierecipe. You pull out the bag and find you have a gooey mess. The marshmallowsleft in the bag stick together.
Why Marshmallows Get Sticky
Marshmallows are made from a mixture of sugar (or corn syrup),gelatin, and water. The ingredients are whipped together into a spongy texture.Put simply, marshmallows are sugar and water wrapped around bubbles. Air pocketshelp marshmallows keep their shape.
So just a bit of moisture pumped intothose air pockets makes them collapse.
That’s what happens once you opena bag of marshmallows. Moisture from the air slips into the bag, and then intothe marshmallows, filling up the air pockets.
Which leaves you with glop.
Bottom line: to keep marshmallowsfresh and not sticky, you need to keep moisture out of the marshmallow bag onceyou open it.
There are at least 3 ways you can do that. Trythese tips to keep moisture out of your open bag of marshmallows so they stayfresh and ready to use in your next cookie recipe.
How to Keep Marshmallows Fresh
1. In the Freezer
To keep marshmallows fresh, set the opened marshmallows in a containerwith a tight-fitting lid or in a freezer-safe, Ziploc plastic bag. Avoidpacking too many marshmallows into the container or bag because it will squishthem together. Seal the container or bag securely. Then storethe bag in the freezer.
To use the marshmallows, remove the bag fromthe freezer and set them on the counter for 10-15 minutes at roomtemperature before using them so they can defrost. If the marshmallows sticktogether, sprinkle a dash of powdered sugar or cornstarch in the bag and shaketo coat them. The marshmallows should break apart.
If you plan to slice marshmallows, you don’t need to letthem thaw. Simply remove them from the freezer and get to work. They sliceeasily when frozen.
Marshmallows will keep in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
2. In the Refrigerator
The principle is the same for storing an opened bag of marshmallows in therefrigerator as when storing it the freezer: the marshmallows will be in acool, dry place. To offset the slightly higher humidity in refrigerators overfreezers, you need to add one step.
Remove the marshmallows from the original package and place them in anairtight container or plastic Ziploc bag. At this point, sprinkle a dash of powderedsugar or cornstarch over the marshmallows. The extra powder will collect thebit of extra moisture from the refrigerator’s air. Seal the container or zippedbag opening. Then shake the container to coat the marshmallows and prevent themfrom sticking together.
Remove marshmallows from the refrigerator when you’re ready to use them.
You can store the marshmallows in a dark corner of the refrigerator for 2-3 months.
3. In a Sealed Bag With Bread
Maybe your refrigerator and freezer are full … or maybe youdon’t have one. In that case, place a piece of white bread in the openedmarshmallow bag. Twist the bag’s opening and seal it with a rubber band ortwist tie. Set the bag away from direct light and in a cool, dry place.
The bread pulls moisture out of the air and away from the marshmallowsto keep them fresher for longer.
Get more tips about baking cookies on our Baking Tips Pinterest board.
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