Stale marshmallows still can be useful

Q. While organizing the cupboard, I came across a bag of partially stale marshmallows that got pushed to the back. I only use them to make Rice Krispies treats. Would they still be OK to use? What other recipes/uses are there for stale marshmallows?

Libby, Canada

A. For starters, in the future, store your marshmallows in the freezer. Freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer storage bag. They thaw quickly and won't stick together or go stale. If they are already stuck together, add a little powdered sugar to the bag and shake until they fall apart.

You can add a bit of moisture to stale marshmallows by adding a piece of bread or two to the bag. Seal the bag and wait a couple of days.

I haven't tried using stale marshmallows when making Rice Krispies treats, but since they're only partially stale, I'm sure they'd be fine. You could still use them in hot cocoa, s'mores, in brownie mix or as an ice cream topping. I've heard some people use stale marshmallows for fish bait, too.

Q. Can I freeze ketchup?

Elaine, New York

A. Yes, you can freeze it. An ice-cube tray would work well (freeze it in the tray and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag). Ketchup doesn't even need to be refrigerated, although it's recommended to maintain the texture and taste for a longer period of time.

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