It is marshmallow time!

If it's that time of year when the acrid smell and crackle of a barbecue beckon you outdoors it is also marshmallow time.

There can be nothing more pleasurable than experiencing a warm roasted marshmallow explode with all its soft gooey liquid in your mouth.

For centuries, people were captivated by the root of the arshmallow plant that had a sweet sap and a soft centre and when roasted over an open fire, caramelised the exterior, keeping the core very soft and warm.

But marshmallows that are available now are no longer the root of a plant but a mix of gelatine and glucose. However, the pleasure has not diminished in the least.

It is a popular tradition in the US to go on camping trips and roast marshmallows over an open fire. Everyone has a unique experience to recount.

There are numerous DIY websites telling you how to toast the perfect marshmallow. So here goes. Take a couple of
marshmallows and impale them on a skewer. If nothing is available you can use a twisted clothes hanger.

Hold it at a convenient distance from the fire where it can be roasted easily without getting burnt.

You can watch the soft white stuff slowly become rich brown, evenly textured and getting a bit loose on the wire. That's the time to take it off and place it straight in the mouth. It's hot, the outside evenly caramelised and the liquid inside gets softer, warmer and when placed in the mouth, simply oozes out to fill you up with the most delicious feeling.

So if you are camping out this winter in the UAE, don't forget to pack your marshmallows for your special 'aha' experience.
Sources: About.com and Wikipedia.