Plush Puffs Hand Crafted Marshmallows

"In late-August, a new gourmet marshmallow and s’mores shop opened in Burbank. It’s called Plush Puffs Toasting Bar, and it’s only a two-minute walk from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. Stationed in Burbank’s Magnolia Park, the area might assume a new neighborhood handle: sugar rush central. Plush Puffs is a marshmallow production facility that also serves espresso, tea, and hot cocoa, selling its signature item by the pound. It seems impossible that a marshmallow bar opens at 8 a.m., but those with childhood cravings can get an early start. The make-your-own s’mores bar begins with various flavors of marshmallows, then with a layer of salted caramel, spicy honey, peanut butter, and the inevitable choice of chocolate on top of Plush Puff’s own graham cracker. Topping selections include almonds, toffee, and pretzels. Another option is Plush Puffs’ s’mores bowl in an edible, crisped rice bowl with the same s’mores toppings. For the undecided, one of the store’s pre-made s’mores will do. Each run between $3.50 and $7.50. A former health educator at University of Southern California, Plush Puffs’ founder Ann Hickey-Williams started designing a fancy brand of marshmallows in 2006. The small-batch marshmallows are free of corn syrup, artificial dyes, and preservatives. When presenting her goods at local food fairs, supporters kept asking for a storefront, which opened for business on August 31. Plush Puffs is in a special position in Southern California. While plenty of businesses offer marshmallow desserts, a dedicated marshmallow bar is a bit hard to come by. Little Flower has sold towers of marshmallows since its inception. Gotta Have S’more opened its s’more shop on South Fairfax eight years ago. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m." - Mona Holmes