Festive Marshmallow Delights for the Holidays

Marshmallow delights have forever been a cherished memory, transporting us to the sugary moments of our youth.

Now, I’m thrilled to share a delightful twist on this timeless classic. Introducing a blend of rich buttery crackers, tangy dried cranberries, and an assortment of toasted nuts, all bound together by the luscious melt of marshmallows. The radiant colors of pistachios and cranberries give these treats an unmistakable festive touch, making them an irresistible addition to your Christmas spread.

Ingredients

• 50 g walnuts (1.75 ounces)
• 50 g pecans (1.75 ounces)
• 155 g crackers (5.5 ounces, we prefer multigrain; but regular snack crackers work too)
• 70 g butter (or you can use margarine, 5 tablespoons)
• 280 g marshmallows (10 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 50 g pistachios (1.75 ounces)
• 70 g dried cranberries (2.5 ounces, roughly 1/4 cup)
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (set aside for the finishing touch)

Steps to Create Your Treat

1. Begin by toasting the walnuts and pecans in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 4-5 minutes. Once cooled, crumble the nuts into coarse chunks. Now, break the crackers into smaller bits, ensuring they don’t become powdery.

2. In a sizable non-stick skillet, melt the butter over a gentle flame. The non-stick feature may not be our first choice in kitchenware, but it does wonders for this recipe, especially during cleaning.

3. Introduce the marshmallows to the pan, stirring until they blend into a smooth mix, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once harmoniously combined, reduce the flame and quickly mix in the vanilla extract, toasted nuts, pistachios, and cranberries.

4. Fold in the crackers, ensuring an even coat without pressing down too hard.

5. When it comes to shaping, you’ve got options:

A. Prep a non-stick square pan with a slight greasing or a spray of non-stick baking agent, then transfer the mixture into it. Using wax or parchment paper, shape the mix into a rectangle.

B. On a countertop, spread a few crushed crackers. This crumb layer prevents sticking. Alternatively, a large parchment paper works just as well. Pour your mixture onto this base and mold it into your desired rectangular shape.

6. Aim for a rectangle about 1 ½ inches thick, measuring roughly 4.5 x 7.5 inches. While still soft and warm, section them into 1 ½ inch squares, yielding about 15 squares in total. Customize the thickness and size to your preference.

7. Finally, for that magical snowy touch, sprinkle them with powdered sugar using a sieve. These treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, invigorating coffee, or a refreshing glass of milk. Enjoy the festive warmth!