Those floral pastel marshmallows
That taste like spring
These punchy little marshmallows weren’t even on my radar until I entered the chocolate shop, which is both a patisserie and candy store. But of course it was snowing and my heart and hands both craved the warmth of a hot chocolate.
French confections are usually subtle, so the intensity of flavor was surprising to me. Rose, Poppy, Violet, and Jasmine burst onto my tongue with such a force. These are not common flavors in the US, antiquated and retired by most candy companies in the 50s. Here they endure with a brightness welcome on any gray day, and a steal at 8 euros for the entire bag.
Enter these delightful marshmallows, available in floral and fruit flavors. I opted for the floral pack with zero expectation of taste aside from the illustrated flowers on the label. How could I go wrong? This is the oldest candy store in Paris, À la Mère de la Famille, surely this will be fun.
So how to eat them? I recommend white chocolate (the good stuff with cacao butter listed as one of the first 2-3 ingredients), if you can find a coconut variety, all the better. Make a blondie s’more if you’re feeling nostalgic. For something more sophisticated, melt half a bar of coconut white chocolate in a double boil or on low heat until smooth, stirring constantly. Thicken slowly with water and add 8 oz/ 230 ml of milk (I prefer coconut here as well) in a dribble until it is completely integrated and smooth. Throw in a splash of vanilla extract or a split vanilla bean until mixture is desired temperature. Serve in your favorite mug and top with A Little Treat.
This little treat was found at:
35 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris
A Little Treat documents my quest to keep my thirty-something self alive and thriving between unprecedented hellscapes. This occasional mini newsletter is meant to share and document charming, unsponsored finds around Paris. Sign up and share with a friend!