CHEW: Marvelous, Magical Marshmallow, July 6, 2011

Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin (CHEW)
http://www.wisconsincooks.org/chew

“The Marvelous, Magical Marshmallow”
by Shirley Cherkasky
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 7:15 PM


It may look like unassuming fluff, but the marshmallow is one tough cookie when it comes to surviving culinary trends. While not without controversy ancient or recent, it shows no sign of melting from the food scene. Easter without peeps? Thanksgiving without the gooey stuff on top of the sweet potatoes? Just as s’mores season gears up, we’re thrilled to welcome home one of CHEW’s founding members to talk about this infinitely adaptable yet always recognizable part of culinary history. And while we won’t be roasting them in the parking lot (fire code and all), we will be tasting some of the latest examples of the marshmallow’s ability to come out on top. Artisanal marshmallows anyone?

Shirley Cherkasky is a culinary historian and founding member of the Culinary Historians of Washington, D.C., and the Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin. She is an active member of the International Commission on Ethnological Food Research and has compiled an international directory of more than 1,400 food and beverage museums (available on www.foodhistorynews.com). She has contributed to The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America; Entertaining: from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl; and The Encyclopedia of Food and Culture. She was coordinator of public programs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History for many years and, since retirement, has been an independent scholar, with a research focus on American confectionery.

PLEASE NOTE: We'll be joined by Michelle Quednow of JazzedUpMarshmallows (http://jazzedupmarshmallows.yolasite.com) in Lake Mills. She's bringing samples of her marshmallows for tasting and some for sale as well. After Shirley speaks, we'll ask Michelle to tell us a little of her marshmallow story.

We'll also be tasting some pretty delicious-looking S'mores (see the website) from Nicole Greene of TruffleTruffle (http://www.truffletruffle.com) in Chicago, a small artisanal bakery/confectionary operation.

Meeting Venue:

Goodman Atwood Community Center, Bolz Room A; 149 Waubesa Street, Madison 53704; 608-241-1574.
***Coming to the CHEW meeting? Why not bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Goodman Center food pantry! The Center is giving out food as fast as it can take it in and the need has never been greater. Items needed: tuna, beans, shelf-stable milk, juice, canned fruits & vegetables, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, cereal, infant formula, baby food, diapers, soup (not tomato), rice, can openers. Financial donations also welcome.

Please visit CHEW on Facebook! We'd love to hear from you.