Here is an idea for those of you that do the Cups and balls, but want to make your presentation more original. Instead of using cups and balls as the name implies, use styrofoam cups and marshmallows. Your presentation could revolve around the fact that you either never have enough marshmallows for cocoa (the disappearance) or you have too many (all 3 under same cup).

For a finale, produce a larger marshamallow (typically used to make S-Mores, for you campers) Then for a grand finale produce hot cocoa packages from under the cups. Then, of course, you could make cocoa to hand out.

This isn't a strolling/street/restaurant style trick. This is best used for intimate performances. Those who are familiar with the cups and balls should know the workings. Also, you could use a coffee stirer or something of the like for a magic wand if you were so inclined.

XX

Nice idea, but I'm afraid it wouldn't have a lot of visual umph if you use the standard white styrofoam cups and white marshmallows. I don't think the marshmallows would show up. What if you used dark mugs instead. I also seem to remember these funky little pastel colored marshmallows by Kraft. I don't know if they even still make them. They tasted a little like a fruity chemistry experiment, but they might show up better against styrofoam.

A quick trip to the dictionary hasn't shed light on that... what's a marshmallow?

Marshmallow is a soft confection made from sugar, corn syrup, egg white and gelatin. In it’s common form it appears like a puffed, stubby, white tube shape, that is simply that it is barrel shaped.

The very word is a lyrical mystery most of us have never considered. Why is a confection made of cornstarch, sugar and corn syrup called a marshmallow? Because the root of the mallow plant that grows in marshes was used to make them before gelatin was introduced. Marshmallows were healthier then. Mallow root boosts the immune system and white blood cells.

I bow to you Harry.... anyone who knows that much about such a pointless thing deserves my respect!!

I love to collect useless facts, but you have taken it to another level!!

- Even if you had a look on the net, you still make legend status in my book.

I think it is fun to come up with new ideas for plots of the cups and balls with different cups and balls that fit the theme. I have a few. I think your idea with the hot cocoa and the marshmallows is awesome. Nice thinking. I would use colored marshmallows that you get at a grocery store for visual clarity. Keep working on it.

Andrew

Chris,

I am a font of useless and arcane knowledge! I am a “Trivial Pursuit” Champion. That one didn’t take a search. I actually knew it, and actually have a recipe to make Marshmallow (using Gelatin rather than the real Mallow Root!).

I often say that I ought to get a life or maybe even a TV so that I would not read so much!

Thanks Harry,
gotta try that next time I am in the USA!

Harry always amazes me with the amount of knowledge he has. Thanks.

Of course, for those with truly intense mallow mania, microwave one in a glass and watch the fun!

But I dirgress, I do a cups and balls routing that I call pots and pips. I use small flowerpots, (yes they have a hole in the bottom) along with some grapefruit pips or seeds. I use a small watering can, and either a citrus fruit or silk flower load at the finale. Talk about the weather, the quality of the soil and the special plant food you "water" them with!

In the event someone calls out the holes in the pots, I hand out the pots along with some round stickers for them to cover the holes inside and out! Right fair.

Harry,
Why the heck aren't you on Jeopardy pulling down some big bucks!
Jim