• DIY

    The Anatomy of a Marshmallow

    By Posted on 12.1.2008 5 Comments

    Most American children are familiar with marshmallows. These fluffy, chewy treats are sold in bags in the supermarket, often for use in Rice Krispie treats and s'mores. Marshmallow Fluff is a spreadable marshmallow product, often found nestled on shelves beside the peanut butter used for lunchbox confections, adding a sweet, viscous layer to sandwiches and brownies. Around Easter, marshmallow Peeps, with their softer structure and crunchy sugar coating, appear in stores. In many homes around the country, marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes are a staple at the Thanksgiving table.

    12.10.2008 at 10:16am - Comment by Aki

    We're working on a vegetarian version of marshmallows, although we haven't perfected it yet. There's a recipe for marshmallows using xanthan gum in Elizabeth Falkner's book Demolition Desserts. She uses egg whites too so they aren't vegetarian. Homemade vegetarian marshmallows are proving to be a bit of a challenge. If anyone has any insights please leave a comment. Thanks!

  • DIY

    Making Vinegar at Home

    By Posted on 12.9.2008 6 Comments

    Vinegar is one of those ingredients that people don't think of as often as they should. It is mostly just seen in salad dressings and pickles, which is a shame, because there is a whole world of flavor there just waiting to be tapped into. There are often times, especially during the holidays, when there is leftover wine after a festive dinner. Many of us will cork the bottle, with or without various safeguards to preserve the contents, and set it aside for the next day.

    12.10.2008 at 10:08am - Comment by Aki

    But at least now you know what goes into it! Actually making vinegar at home is pretty easy, as with many things, understanding the underlying process is the hardest part. :)



Download Our iPhone App

Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone with full articles, images and offline viewing



Follow Us On Twitter

Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed



Become a Fan On Facebook

Share links with friends, comment on stories and more


December 2009: Best of What's New

In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.

Check out the best of what's new here.

Popular Science Photo Pool


Share your photos in the Pop Sci pool at www.flickr.com!
tags_sprite.png
POP_embeddedForm_cover_May09.jpg