Spearmint Marshmallow Slice

If you are a vegetarian or even vegan, the marshmallow part of this recipe is amazing.  

I used aquafaba (chickpea liquid) but you can also use egg white instead. 

Using agar- agar to set the marshmallow creates a velvet-smooth marshmallow that holds welland can be used on its own and cut into pieces, then rolled in coconut to create marshmallow sweets or used as shown below with a biscuit base, bringing back childhood memories.

Base Ingredients: (base recipe is based on Allyson Gofton’s Creative Biscuits & Slices cookbook)

• 125g butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Base Method:

1. Cream butter and sugar then add egg and beat until incorporated. 
2. Sift flour and baking powder and add to mixture along with vanilla. 
3. Mix well and press into a lined 20cm x 30cm tray. 
4. Bake at 180C for approximately 18-20 minutes. 
5. Cool completely before adding the marshmallow.

Marshmallow Ingredients:

• ½ cup aquafaba or equivalent egg white
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• ½ cup water
• 1 T agar-agar powder
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 T spearmint essence (see our website for essence recipe using spearmint tea)
• green food colourin
• 1/3 cup desiccated coconut approx.

Marshmallow Method:  

1. Mix the aquafaba with the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. 
2. While this is beating, add the water and agar-agar to a pot and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. 
3. Next add the sugar to the pot and continue stirring until the mixture clears and begins to
   thicken – it needs to still be pourable.
4. Remove from heat and while the mixer is on, slowly add the liquid to the aquafaba mixture. 
5. Next add the spearmint essence and food colouring. 
6. Beat until incorporated. 
7. Pour the marshmallow onto the cooled base and use a spatula to smooth the top. 
8. Sprinkle the coconut over the marshmallow.
9. Allow to set firmly (30 minutes or so), then cut into squares and store in the refrigerator.

Notes: Any of your favourite essences can be used in place of the spearmint essence.