Althaea officinalis the English common name "mallow". Most of the mallows have been used as food, and are mentioned by early classic writers with this connection. Mallow was an edible vegetable among the Romans; a dish of marsh mallow was one of their delicacies. Prospero Alpini stated in 1592 that a plant of the mallow kind was eaten by the Egyptians. Many of the poorer inhabitants of Syria subsisted for weeks on herbs, of which marshmallow is one of the most common. When boiled first and fried with onions and butter, the roots are said to form a palatable dish, and in
Chocolate crackles Chocolate crackles Chocolate crackles (also known as chocolate bubble cakes) are a popular children's confection in Australia and New Zealand, especially for birthday parties and at school fêtes. The earliest recipe found so far is from "The Australian Women's Weekly" in December 1937. The principal ingredient is the commercial breakfast cereal Rice Bubbles. The binding ingredient is hydrogenated coconut oil (such as the brand Copha), which is solid at room temperature. Since making chocolate crackles does not require baking it is often used as an activity for young children. The recipe is relatively easy requiring only vegetable shortening, icing sugar,