Marsh&Mallow: Heavenly treats made right here in Vancouver

Marshmallow lovin’ folk rejoice, there’s a new local confectionist making handmade gourmet mallows right here in Vancouver. Melt-in-your-mouth and light as a feather, these plush morsels will leave you with a craving for more.

We sat down with Carly Bloch, the founder of Marsh&Mallow, an online boutique for handmade gourmet marshmallows, to find out more about her and her artisanal treats.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company Marsh&Mallow…

Carly Bloch: I grew up in Toronto and moved to Vancouver almost five years ago with my husband and daughter. We chose Vancouver to take full advantage of the lifestyle and, of course, the stunning scenery that the West Coast has to offer. Having a full time corporate career I needed a creative outlet, which led me to pursue my love of creating sweet treats and turn it into a side venture. Originally I focused my efforts on custom cakes and cupcakes, however, when everyone who tried my marshmallows gushed over how good they were, I ditched the cakes and now exclusively make gourmet marshmallows.

Was baking and making candy something you always wanted to pursue?

I grew up in a home where we ate dinner together every night and our time to connect as a family was always around the dinner table. I believe that from this I developed a love of cooking and baking for friends and family as a way to bring us together. Many years ago I came across a recipe for handmade marshmallows, and although the first attempt was an epic fail, I was hooked. I basically scratched the recipe and through trial and error came up with the perfect balance of ingredients, and the process I use today when creating my marshmallows.

What makes a great marshmallow?

First and foremost the texture. A great marshmallow needs to be squishy and melt-in-your -mouth. It needs to burst with fresh natural flavours and be made from quality ingredients. Since there isn’t really that much that goes into a marshmallow, the flavours used need to shine and speak for themselves.

How do your marshmallows compare to others out there?

I have had many customers rave over how much they love my marshmallows. They always note how mine are full of fresh natural flavours and that the texture cannot be beat. I have even managed to convert non-marshmallow eaters and have them keep coming back to Marsh&Mallow for more.

What sorts of ingredients do you use?

I try to source as many local and organic ingredients as possible, season permitting. This summer I have been loving the fresh organic local raspberries and strawberries. All my marshmallows are named after their flavours and there are no hidden unnatural flavours. My personal favorite are the passion fruit marshmallows, flavored only with 100% natural passion fruit pulp.

Can anyone eat your marshmallows?

Yes, anyone can eat my marshmallows. Most of my marshmallows are gluten-free and unless stated otherwise are nut and dairy free too. Kids love my marshmallows because really, show me a kid who doesn’t love candy? Adults enjoy them too as they take us back to our childhood, eating mallows around the campfire or melting them in your hot cocoa.

What flavour combinations do you offer and what are Marsh&Mallows must-have mallows?

My most popular flavour by far is the Signature Salted Caramel marshmallow. I offer quite a wide range of flavours, from Classic Vanilla to indulgent chocolate. I have also created my happy hour line of marshmallows, including the Whiskey Salted Caramel, Baileys and Cream, and Margarita which is made with fresh lime juice, salt and of course tequila. They are not at all too boozy but you certainly can taste the alcohol, with the best part being that you don’t have to share them with your kids.

How are your marshmallows packaged, how much do they cost and where can people find these sweet offerings?

My marshmallows come packaged six generous pieces to a bag. Each bag is heat sealed to lock in freshness. They start at $15 per pack for the regular marshmallows, the happy hour marshmallows are $18 per pack, and my retro marshmallows vary in price. Currently they are only available from my online store www.marshandmallow.ca. They will soon be available through various other distributors, stay tuned for details.

You can also find Marsh&Mallow online: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.