I had been hearing about this little handmade marshmallow shop in Sanford, Fla., for about a year. People said that Wondermade, run by husband-and-wife team Nathan and Jenn Clark, made the best marshmallows they had tasted. I was skeptical, though. Why were people raving about marshmallows? I like the fluffy treats, of course, but typically mixed in with something like Rice Krispies treats. I didn't see the big deal about eating plain, homemade marshmallows.
However, when I recently got to try the treats for myself, I realized that Wondermade marshmallows are much more than plain, fluffy candy. The Clarks have created a treat that is sold in many unique flavors, including Gin, Blackberry, S'Mores and Elderberry. On the night I visited, I got to try three flavors, toasted on a stick, for $1.75. This is a fair price for gourmet marshmallows! My favorite was Lavendar, but the Bourbon and Neopolitan flavors were also delicious. The strawberry flavor in the Neopolitan is spot-on!
In addition to what looks to be 50 different flavors, I loved the marshmallows for their soft texture and natural flavors. Nothing tastes artificial. In fact, they are made without high fructose corn syrup and preservatives. Most marshmallows - and candies - require corn syrup, so I'm not sure how the owners managed to make the texture like regular marshmallows. Most of the marshmallows are also dairy-free, wheat-free and gluten-free.
Since the Clarks started Wondermade, it has grown into a national mail-order business. I love that you can choose from a number of different gift boxes in the shop, or you an order online at www.wondermade.com. Right now, the site is offering 15% off for Father's Day!
