When we weren’t off sampling the local spirits and cuisine, we spent an awful lot of time clambering over rocks, collecting treasures, and seeing just how far up various conveniently-located precipitous crags we could shimmy (answer: alarmingly…question of the week: ‘how in the name of self preservation did I get up here, and more importantly, how exactly do I get down’).

All that exploration works up an appetite — an appetite that can only be sated by briny marshmallows.  Briny, ocean-dipped marshmallows.  I mentioned this after last year’s trip, and there were many questions.  I felt an obligation to you all to explain in more details.  So, without further ado, your step-by-step guide to marshmallow brining.

1) Locate a handy tide pool (being able to get to it in the dark without twisting an ankle or soaking your shoe is a plus).

2) Prepare a likely stick.

3) Lay a fire (sacrificial crab shell as offering to the Sea Gods optional, but encouraged).

4) Impale a marshmallow on your stick, stride to your pool, and dip dip dip (the composition and performance of an impromptu marshmallow brining shanty at this point in the proceedings is technically optional, but highly encouraged…a preparatory adult beverage may help if inspiration fails you).

5) Toast, letting the outside caramelize into a crispy, salty crust of goodness and the inside melt into a puddle of molten, sugary goo.

6) Repeat 4 and 5 as needed, while being lulled into a state of complete relaxation by the sound of the sea and the flickering light of your fire.  Bring a blanket (it gets cold out there at night) and try not to fall asleep.