Vegan Marshmallows

Q Do you know of a vegan substitute for marshmallows?

A As a gourmet whole foods chef I don’t have experience with marshmallows. So I stopped at a supermarket and read the ingredients of a package of marshmallows and was shocked at the amount of chemicals I found. So, if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to store bought marshmallows (the ingredient list reads like a chemical warfare stockpile) then try mochi. Mochi is a sweet rice patty that can be steamed, boiled, baked or pan fried. You can find mochi in your local natural food stores. Best to get the brown rice mochi as opposed to the white rice mochi found in oriental markets. The white rice mochi is loaded with white sugar. Brown rice mochi does not have sugar added. There is even one brand that adds to the plain mochi cinnamon, dates to name a few additions which make mochi even more yummy. Prepared the correct way, mochi is a gooey square piece just like a marshmallow. You could even put it on a stick and roasted it over an open fire. Remember that one?