Toasted Marshmallow Squares

Spring has arrived here in New England and what a week we have had.  It seems as if overnight all of the flowers and trees have popped open.  There are little bursts of color everywhere and a sweet scent in the air.  Driving down the road I suddenly see more green than brown. In the backyard there are animals scurrying everywhere and the birds nest under my gutter, by the kitchen window, is back again.  It appears every April. I know they are there without even looking because I can here them. Babies have been born!  Winter is officially over.

It makes me wonder how, in such a beautiful world, there can be such hatred.  Horrible things happened this week.  Right in my city.  Not far from where I live.  Like everyone else, I am struggling with it.  All we ask is for a safe placed to live and raise our children.  In this day and age, is this too much to ask?  Is this our new reality?  Will we always be afraid?  Why is it so different now then the way it used to be?

I spent much of the week glued to the news and then when it was all calm, I took time and counted my blessing. I retreated to the things that always comfort me (got lost in a book for example; thank God for books!) and then I did what I needed to do.  Made toasted marshmallow squares.  Took pictures of them.  Blogged about them.  Life continues.  It has to.

 

 

 

recipe adapted from Joy the Baker

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg yolk
1 cup plus 2 tbs flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup fruit preserves (I used strawberry)
15 marshmallows, cut in half

First the crust. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).  Add in the vanilla and egg yolk and beat until well combined. Stop the mixer and add the flour.  Beat on low speed until completely incorporated. 

Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper (leaving some overhanging paper flaps on two ends).  Grease or spray the parchment paper with non-stick baking spray.  Spoon batter into the prepared pan.  Press dough onto the bottom of the pan, trying to make the crust as even as possible. 

Bake for 20-24 minutes until edges are golden brown.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes. 

Using the two parchment paper flaps, carefully remove crust from the pan.  Remove the paper and carefully slide crust onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Done.

Top with fruit preserves. 

Next, arranged marshmallows on top of jam.  Return to the 350 degree oven for about 4 minutes.  This will warm and soften the marshmallows.  Remove from the oven and turn it's setting to broil.  Use the back of a spoon to gently press and smash down the top of each marshmallow.

Return to the broiler to brown.  Keep a very, very close eye on them.  They burn quickly.  They will toast up in just a few seconds. 

Remove the toasted marshmallow cookie from the oven.  Allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. 

Cookies can be served warm or at room temperature.  Store at room temperature for up to 4 days. 

 

 

The crust is a buttery shortbread.  On top of that is the layer of sweet fruit, and then finally the surprise of the toasted marshmallow.  These cookies are a delight!

 

 

My Dad said he thought they looked like little fried eggs on top of ketchup! Trust me when I say they taste nothing like that, but in a way I guess he has a point. Maybe I should have made these for Easter! {mental note for next year}. 

 

 

 

I saw a wonderful old quote from Mr. Rogers on Facebook this week.  He said that whenever there was a tragedy and he was scared his mother would say to him "look for helpers, you will always find people who are helping".   His words are so true and God bless those people who risk their lives everyday to protect us.  And in moments of despair I have seen beautiful things happen.  People helping people.  We are all in this together and because of that we cannot be afraid.  The beauty will rise to the top and life continues.  Flowers will bloom, birds will sing, I'll make apple skillet cake tomorrow and take pictures of it.  That much I can guarantee. 

 

 

 

 

I knew Mr. Rogers was always right.  ♥