A Marshmallowed Themed Birthday Party

My niece has a birthday next month... thirteen! Where does the time go? She loves marshmallows. I know... weird. Nevertheless, she absolutely loves them. Therefore, I, being a great aunt and all, am planning to throw her a marshmallowed themed party. My sister still thinks I am nuts... but she is behind me.

I researched marshmallows. Wow... it really has become a sort of craze for some... so my niece is not as offbeat as I thought.

Our pastry table will consist of several tasty delights. No cakes this year!

1) Did you know that Dean and Deluca makes handmade raspberry and toasted coconut marshmallows? Yes indeed!!!! Log onto their website, DeanDeluca.com. They also have S'mores cookies... but... who needs cookies when they are best when they are made right in your own kitchen with help from the birthday girl and her friends.

2) For a bit of grown up flare... and for the adults at the party, Plushpuffs.com makes lemon meringue marshmallows. Add some to you tea... and well... I will be sure to let you know. I am also trying the caramel swirl... those sound just up my alley. For 5.99 a 4 ounce bag (equates to about 14-16 marshmallows) that is not too pricey. Wal-Mart is definitely cheaper... but a girl only turns thirteen once! They have a variety of flavors. My niece and I are choosing the peppermint and vanilla bean as well.

3) "On the good ship lollipop..." a lollipop made out of marshmallow! Yes! What a cool party favor for everyone of all ages! PetesGourmet.com has some for 13.95 for twelve. Upon further inspection of these pops... I have decided that this will also be our craft project! In addition to making S'mores, we are going to create our own lollipops. Carefully. Of course. They may not be a nicely done as Pete's but the kids will enjoy making their own.

4) Dessert.... Marshmallow under pies! We are going to make her favorite Lemon Meringue Pie. After each piece is cut but before doled out to the guests, a piece of sliced marshmallow will be placed under the piece of pie and then placed in the broiler for thirty seconds.... Viola... irresistible gooey dessert. She will love it.

5) I found the perfect gadget to assist teens in making their own S'mores. It is called a Microwave S'mores Maker. It retails for $ 9.95 and I have just ordered it!

In addition, to top it off we are going to have everyone find and bring with a recipe for anything calling for marshmallows.... Birthday girl will draw from a hat and whichever she chooses... we will make... I hope my pantry is fully stocked!!!!!!!

It is going to be a mess... no wonder my sister is all for my having the party at my house.