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Propane fire pits are becoming more popular since they don't leave you smelling like smoke, and that they take less prep work to get the fire going. A traditional, wood-burning fire pit is what you think of when you think of roasting marshmallows.
You don't need to sacrifice roasting marshmallows if you own a gas fire pit because these fire pits can still roast marshmallows.
Supplies Needed
Aoocan Marshmallow Roasting Sticks, Smores Sticks for Fire PitOutland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit with Cover
Propane v. Wood Fire
When choosing a backyard fire pit, you may find yourself trying to decide between a propane or wood fire pit. The two options have advantages and disadvantages and will ultimately come down to your preference.
The fire pits using propane are easy to ignite and keep going. They provide a constant stream of fuel, whereas, with a wood-burning fire pit, you have to add wood to keep it going.
Are Propane Fire Pits Safe?
Yes, propane is safe to use when done correctly. Barbeque grills use this gas, and you can use it as a fuel source for your fire pit.
Regardless of your age, you'll want to be cautious when around a fire, even a gas fire that is generally safe. If you're sitting around the fire with children, you'll want to have some rules like no running or getting too close to the fire.
Keeping an eye on the little ones is especially true when they're roasting their marshmallows.
Safe Cooking While Roasting Marshmallows
It's perfectly safe to use propane gas to roast marshmallows. Many people have concerns about roasting marshmallows over a propane fire because they're worried it will alter the marshmallow flavor.
Propane is an odorless gas, so you don't need to worry about the taste of your roasted marshmallows changing.
The only thing that will alter the taste of your marshmallow is if debris has fallen into the pit. If you have burnt food, dirt, or leaves, your food may pick up those smells or tastes.
Step by Step Instructions
How Do You Roast Marshmallows on a Propane Fire Pit?
Roasting a marshmallow on a gas fire pit is generally the same as on a wood-burning fire pit or in a fireplace.
Roasting marshmallows may seem simple.
But there's a right way and a wrong way.
Here's the right way.
You will need:
• A campfire
• A package of medium to large marshmallows
• A roasting fork or long wooden stick
• Foil
Step 1.
Once the fire starts, turn the flame down so you can hold the marshmallow above the embers. You do not want the marshmallow touching the fire.
The heat from the fire should be hot but not a large flame.
Sit upwind of the fire. You don't want smoke and flames in your face.
Step 2.
Choose a marshmallow and place it at the end of a roasting fork or a long wooden stick.
Step 3.
Place your marshmallow approximately 3 to 5 inches above the hot embers.
Slowly turn the stick over the heat so that the marshmallow browns evenly on all sides and gets warm and gooey inside.
It should take about 15 to 30 seconds.
If you burn a few marshmallows, don't be discouraged.
Remember the Buddhist saying: "Fall seven times, get up eight."
Step 4.
Now that you've perfected the marshmallow basics, you can move on to more advanced techniques.
Now that you've perfected the marshmallow basics, you can move on to more advanced techniques.
These include:
• roasting multiple marshmallows on a stick
• making a classic s'more
• the controversial Joan of Arc marshmallow
Experiment. Soon you will become a marshmallow master, having fun
A S'Mores Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
• Graham crackers, broken into squares
• Hershey's plain milk chocolate bars or other kinds of chocolate
• Large marshmallows
• Aluminum foil
Step 1.
Take one graham cracker and break it in half, one for the top and the bottom.
Step 2.
Cover one of the cracker halves with a square of chocolate pieces to fit the graham cracker.
Step 3.
Put a marshmallow or two on the stick and hold it over the fire until slightly golden brown.
Step 4.
Take the toasted marshmallow while still on the stick, and lay it on the side of the graham cracker with the chocolate.
Step 5.
Take the other half of the graham cracker and place it on the hot marshmallow, pressing down firmly enough to pull out the stick.
After the S'mores are together, wrap it between two large sheets of foil and place it on the corner of the fire to keep warm while making the remaining ones (it will also help the chocolate melt a little bit more.
Eat it still warm, like a sandwich.
Use these recipes for campfire cooking.
Did you know
The original marshmallow contained extracts from the root of the marshmallow plant, which gave it its spongy quality.
Now, most marshmallows use gelatin.
To make the best quality marshmallow, you'll need a little bit of patience.
Most people prefer their marshmallows, not burnt, so you're going for the perfect golden brown color throughout the marshmallow. It's essential not to stick your skewer with the marshmallow into the fire directly because that's how they catch fire and burn.
The process may take a little bit of time, but if you're going for the perfect golden brown marshmallow, it's worth the wait.
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Whether roasting marshmallows or making s'mores, marshmallow roasting sticks will make for a more accessible and enjoyable experience.
Here are some I found at Amazon.
The Aoocan Marshmallow Roasting Sticks, Smores Sticks for Fire Pit are a great buy. They are 32 inches long, so your child can stay a safe distance from the fire.
You will get great value for your money. The kit includes:
• eight telescoping hot dog forks
• five roasting sticks
• two corn forks.
The kit provides the ultimate flexibility, giving you a choice of how you roast your food.
These marshmallow roasting sticks will last for a long time since they are high-quality, FDA-approved, non-toxic stainless steel.
PROS
Made of FDA-approved stainless steel metal skewers
It comes with 15 sticks
Color-coded, so the sticks don't get mixed up
Affordable price
CONS
Not all 15 sticks are for marshmallow roasting sticks.
Is It Messy?
Can roasted marshmallows be messy? The simple answer is yes.
Now, they don't have to be, but the potential is there. When marshmallows melt, they can drip into your fire pit or onto the sides.
If this happens, it's not the end of the world. It can be challenging to scrub marshmallows off of the fire pit, but don't leave the residue if this happens. You'll want to thoroughly clean the propane fire pit once it's off and before you use it again.
One way you can potentially prevent marshmallows from dripping or falling into your fire pit is to use two skewers or marshmallow roasting sticks.
Aoocan Marshmallow Roasting Sticks, Smores Sticks for Fire Pit
Can You Roast Marshmallows Over Lava Rock?
If you're looking for an aesthetically pleasing propane fire pit to add to your backyard, adding lava rock to the pit is a great idea. Adding lava rock to your propane fire pit doesn't change whether you can roast marshmallows over it or not.
Yes, you can roast marshmallows over lava rocks because they do not release any toxins when heated.
You can still roast marshmallows over lava rock. Remember, marshmallows can be messy. Because of this, you'll want to do your best to avoid dropping anything onto the lava rocks.
Can You Roast Hotdogs Over a Propane Fire Pit?
Since propane is a gas commonly used for grills, you can use your outdoor fire pit to roast a hotdog. The process is pretty similar to cooking a marshmallow. First, you'll get your fire going, and then add a hotdog to a skewer.
Roast the hotdog over the burner until the hotdog is browned. Like the marshmallow, you don't want to stick the hotdog directly into the fire; instead, hold it above the flames so that the heat cooks the dog. It's better to roast them above the fire to avoid burning.
Verdict
Yes, you can roast marshmallows on a propane fire pit.
It is probably safer to cook on a fire pit compared to campfire cooking. The flame from a gas fire pit is perhaps more controlled, not as hot, and much less smokey