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National Toasted Marshmallow Day

Food · August 30

A day for toasted marshmallows, from slow golden browning over coals to the quick, flaming char some people actually prefer.

National Toasted Marshmallow Day falls on Monday, August 30, 2027. That is 307 days away.

A toasted marshmallow is a small study in heat. The outside turns into a thin, crisp shell, and the inside goes soft and stretchy, close to liquid if you are patient.

Marshmallows are mostly sugar, water and gelatin whipped full of air. That air and sugar are why they behave so dramatically near a flame. Hold one a little above glowing coals and turn it slowly, and it browns evenly like a tiny loaf. Push it into the fire and it catches, blackens and puffs, which some people consider the whole point.

The two camps rarely convert each other. The golden crowd treats it as a craft, rotating the stick and waiting. The charred crowd blows out the flame, peels off the blackened skin, eats it and goes back in for the gooey layer underneath.

A campfire or backyard fire pit is the classic setting, with long sticks or metal skewers so hands stay well back from the heat. Indoors, a kitchen torch used carefully works on marshmallows set on a heatproof tray. A broiler also does the job, as long as someone watches the whole time, because the change from toasted to burnt takes only moments.

Afterward comes the question of what to do with a hot marshmallow. Pressing it between graham crackers and a square of chocolate is the familiar answer. Dropping one onto a mug of hot cocoa is another, and it melts into a sweet foam on top.

Ways to celebrate

• Toast marshmallows slowly over coals and aim for an even golden brown.
• Try a charred one and a golden one side by side.
• Float a toasted marshmallow on a mug of hot cocoa.
• Use long skewers and keep a bucket of water near the fire.

Dates

All national days on August 30

Also on August 30

• National Beach Day
• Frankenstein Day
• Slinky Day

Categories: Food days