Location

I like marshmallows, let's just start with that. I had seen packages of gourmet marshmallows at Urban Fare, but I thought them much too indulgent a purchase and hadn't dared consider actually buying them... Until the day the fall Capers Community Fair was on a few weeks back. Butter Baked Goods, the makers of these marshmallows had a booth set up, and were selling their marshmallows for about 3/4 their usual price, and I decided it was time to give them a try. I scanned the flavours and narrowed it down to peppermint or pumkin spice. I pointed at the pumpkin spice bag and asked the woman at the stand whether they had any dairy in them (I'm allergic), and you know what she did? She picked the bag up and handed it to me, and said, "Nope, no dairy, here have a bag!" I don't think she had any idea what a bad couple days I'd had or how much it cheered me up, but it was greatly appreciated, in one of those renewing-my-faith-in-humanity sort of ways...

Slightly confused, I said, "have?" and she laughed and replied, "yes, they're a gift!" I was totally surpised, but said thanks very much and put them in my bag and went on my way home. When I got home, I untied the ribbon on the pretty little bag of delicious looking treats, and took a big chomp out of one. It was heavenly. I'm not ashamed to admit I've since bought a few more bags of pumpkin spice, which are seriously wonderful, as well as a couple bags of the coconut ones, which are encrusted in toasted coconut, and also amazing. I have yet to get my hands on any of the other flavours, as Capers has only been carrying a small selection of their stuff.

(Photo courtesy of food blogger Lydia, check her flickr out for lots more photos!)

The current owners took over the bakery and gave it an overhaul before re-opening in September 2007, and their tasty treats have been given much deserved acclaim in lots of local foodie websites and blogs. Rosie, an interior designer whose skills have obviously given their products an added aesthetic boost, and her mother, Pixie, were the creators of the business, which now employs several other family members, making it a truly family-run and locally owned business. Their specialties are cookies, marshmallows, smores, and cupkaces, and you can read their full menu on their website.

Moral of the story? Next time you feel like treating yourself with something sweet, head down to the west side, or to your nearest gourmet grocer and indulge in the best marshmallows you've ever eaten, and if you happen to try any of their other treats, please vouch for them in the comments, since I can't try 'em myself!