Marshmallow Root Marshmallows + Giveaway (paleo-friendly, dairy free, gluten free)

{Pin it}

Did you know original marshmallows actually came from a plant?

Marshmallow (or marsh mallow or Althaea officinalis) is actually a herb! Rosemary Gladstar in her book Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health states "Our pioneer parents cooked the root with honey or sugar, formed into soft balls, and gave it to their children to suck on to soothe a sore throat." Yes, marshmallows were actually a remedy! Not a super sticky, sugar overdose.

Today we combine the herb with it's modern counterpart!

{Pin it}

This recipe kickstarts a weeklong of delicious Marshmallow Root fun and a giveaway sponsored by the one and only Mountain Rose Herbs - One lucky reader will receiver their very own 8 oz package of organic Marshmallow Root Powder all thanks to that wonderful herb company! Thank you Mountain Rose Herbs!

 A little information about Mountain Rose Herbs:

Since 1987, Mountain Rose Herbs has been known for its uncompromising commitment to organic agriculture, sustainable business practices, and a steadfast focus on the pure aesthetics and freshness of botanical products. Their wide range of certified organic product offerings includes bulk herbs and spices, aromatherapy and essential oils, tea and tea supplies, and natural health and body care. Every aspect of product creation is carried out in accordance with strict quality control and organic handling procedures by employees who care. From fragrant and beyond-fresh organic herbs and spices, to soothing essential oils and delicious herbal teas, the quality and integrity of Mountain Rose Herbs is unparalleled - with smiles guaranteed. To learn more about Mountain Rose Herbs please visit http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=128987 /.

To enter to win the Marshmallow Root Powder, please like Sweet Roots on facebook and leave a comment here letting me know you did. Bonus Points (meaning name entered twice) for subscribing to the Sweet Roots Feed. This will close Monday Sept 3rd at Midnight (PST). I will announce the winner on Wednesday September 5th.

And be sure to check back every day until then! There will be a new recipe every morning. I'm really looking forward to sharing these with you.

And now for the recipe...

I've been wanting to make Marshmallow Root Marsmallows for forever! I've used the amazing mucilage powers of Marshmallow Root for Licorice and Marshmallow Root Cough Syrup and Herbal Marshmallow Root Detangler Spray. And I've tried several marshmallow root marshmallow recipes without success. My vegan attempts melted and my egg-white meringue types were flat and tasted like wool. However these babies are delish!

I started with this recipe developed by Urban Poser found via Mommypotumus and changed it to include the marshmallow root decoction.

Instead of coating them in sugar, I've coated them in a mix of toasted coconut and marshmallow root powder for extra marshmallow flavor.

Also I used my handmixer. Say what? Yeah, that's right. No need for a stand mixer so don't shrink away from trying homemade marshmallows if you don't own a stand mixer.

For the vegans, there will be other marshmallow root recipes the remainder of this week that are vegan but creating vegan marshmallows can be quite the process. If you would like to try your hand at it, here is a recipe.

 {Pin it}

{Pin it}

Marshmallow Root Marshmallows (paleo-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain free, nut free)
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup water
1 cup honey
2 Tb +1 teaspoon unflavored beef gelatin
1 T marshmallow root powder
1/2 t vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Tools
Hand mixer (will take longer with stand mixer)
Oiled and Lined 8x8" pan
Coating (Recipe below)
Candy Thermometer
Sauce Pan

(Picture of the Marshmallow Root Decoction boiling)

 

Directions
1. Boil then simmer marshmallow root powder for five minutes. Remove from heat and Refridgerate until cool.
2. Drain marshmallow root decoction to eliminate clumps. Measure 1/2 cup of the marshmallow root decoction and add gelatin. Set aside.
3. Measure 1/2 cup marshmallow root decoction in a sauce pan on stove with honey, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Turn burner on to medium high heat. The mixture will boil. Insert candy thermometer into pot without letting it touch the bottom of the pot. Boil another 5-8 minutes until it reaches 240 degrees. Remove from heat.
4. Turn hand mixer on low and pour the hot marshmallow/honey mixture over the gelatin.
5. Turn the hand mixer on high and whip for another 5-8 minutes (mine was pretty much whipped at five minutes - if using stand mixer it may take longer).
6. Sprinkle coating over oiled (I just use a 1-2 tsp coconut oil and rub it with my fingers or lightly spray with spray-able coconut oil) and parchment-lined 8x8" pan (or bigger if you choose thinner marshmallows). Pour marshmallow creme on top and finish with more coating sprinkled. Let sit for several hours to set.
7. With a knife dipped in hot water, slice the marshmallows (the sides will be sticky for a little bit).


Coating
1/3 cup Finely shredded Coconut
1/2 t marshmallow root powder

1. Toast over medium heat until coconut is slightly brown and fragrant.

And last but not least, I'm not a doctor. I'm not licensed to diagnose or prescribe. This is for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use information at your discretion, taking into account medical history. Always research!

Precautions posted from Mountain Rose Herbs website about using Marshmallow Root: "Marshmallow root is completely non-toxic, but its mucilage can interfere with the absorption of other medicines if taken at the same time. The asparagine in the root can cause a mild odor in the urine, but has no other physiological effect."

We took a couple to the fair this week and that was our treat at the fair. Here is Amaressa enjoying her Marshmallow Root Marshmallow!