From Their Hands to Yours
Stories from the Market
Twisted Mallow Company: A Cozy Classic with a Bold New Twist
Money can’t buy happiness … but it can buy marshmallows … which is kinda the same thing …”
— Anonymous
We’ve officially entered what we lovingly call Yankee hibernation season here in New England — that stretch from mid-January to mid-April when gray skies linger, snow piles up and the Valley grows quiet. It’s the season of cozy sweats, warm kitchens and steaming mugs of coffee, tea or hot chocolate as we wait (patiently … sort of) for spring to return.
And what’s hot chocolate without marshmallows?
Soft, chewy, lightly sweet and melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows might just be the ultimate hibernation treat. Which makes them the perfect introduction to one of our newer vendors, Twisted Mallow Company.
Twisted Mallow creates all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO marshmallows — no corn syrup, no artificial flavors — in over 30 inventive flavors. One bite of Krista’s marshmallows, and you’ll often see a little happy dance happening right at her table.
We spotted Krista at the Concord Farmers Market one Saturday and coaxed (okay, begged) her to bring her mallow masterpieces down to our Valley Village. A market member since November 2025, she’s already become a favorite with many of our Village peeps, who make a beeline for her table each week.
We caught up with Krista after the New Year to learn more about her sweet (and slightly twisted) business.
Q&A with Krista — how did you come up with the name?
“It’s a bit personal,” Krista says. “Mallow is short for marshmallow, but it also comes from my family’s French name, Malouin (pronounced Mal-oh-win). My ninth-grade bio teacher couldn’t pronounce it and started calling me ‘Miss Mallo,’ which stuck with close friends.”
“The ‘Twisted’ part is more obvious,” she laughs. “It reflects my bolder flavor inspirations — things like Mango Chili or Lemon Lavender. They’re unexpected, modern twists on something classic.”
And yet — it’s still a marshmallow.
“Absolutely,” Krista says. “Marshmallows are about connection and shared experiences — childhood memories around a fire, telling stories, enjoying something warm and gooey together. They’re the taste of home and a summer night in the Valley. I want to honor that while also creating new memories with unexpected flavors.
How did Twisted Mallow get started?
After 33 years as a dental hygienist, Krista was ready for a change. One night over martinis with her best friend, she jokingly floated the idea of a s’mores food truck — complete with complimentary toothbrushes. That idea stuck with her.
“I went home and looked up a recipe for homemade vanilla marshmallows,” she says. “I was shocked at how soft and different they were from store-bought.”
She brought batches into work, where coworkers raved. Then she started experimenting with flavors — each batch better than the last. Before long, Twisted Mallow was born.
What were some of your biggest challenges starting out?
“Being a one-woman show,” Krista says. “I was still working my dental hygiene job three and a half days a week — nine-hour days — then coming home and working another seven hours on the business. There were a lot of tears,” she laughs. “But I believed in the product and the idea of a healthier marshmallow.”
Learning the behind-the-scenes business skills — website building, branding, logistics — was another hurdle. “I’ve learned so much,” she says.
Encouragement came from family, especially her mom, Mary Ann, a lifelong entrepreneur who urged her to try farmers markets.
“I signed up for eight markets, launching in November 2024, fully expecting that to be it,” Krista says. “Instead, I sold out week after week. Watching people’s faces light up when they try a flavor — that joy never gets old.”
Your flavors can be pretty “twisted.” Where do the ideas come from?
“I started with classics — vanilla, maple, peanut butter, cinnamon — and focused on getting those perfect,” Krista explains. “Then I looked to flavors I already loved in other foods.”
Her Lemon Lavender marshmallow was inspired by an iced tea she enjoys and became her first truly “twisted” flavor. Mango Chili Lime followed — and quickly became a summer favorite.
“I also made a Blueberry Lemon Thyme using a cordial from Tamworth Distilling Company,” she adds. “They sound crazy, but they work beautifully.”
Do you offer seasonal flavors?
With more than 30 flavors rotating throughout the year, Krista recently created a seasonal calendar so customers know what to look forward to:
- Valentine’s Day: Rose Cardamom, Prosecco
- Mardi Gras: Southern Pecan
- St. Patrick’s Day: Irish Cream
- Easter: Lemon, Coconut, Raspberry Chocolate
Besides hot chocolate and s’mores, how else can people use your mallows?
“They’re great right out of the bag,” Krista says, “but also amazing in hot tea — especially Lemon Lavender, Orange, Clove, and Cinnamon.”
Some customers brûlée maple mallows over bourbon. Others swear by them in Rice Krispie treats — “especially peanut butter,” she notes.
Do you have personal favorites?
“Cinnamon,” Krista says without hesitation. “Straight from the freezer and into my coffee.”
What are you most proud of in your first year?
“My collaborations,” she says. “That’s where 2026 is headed.”
Krista works with Tamworth Distilling Company, Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies, and 603 Perfect Blends — and has more partnerships in the works, including an exclusive flavor for a local retailer.
Do you take special orders?
Yes — weddings, baby showers, birthdays, corporate events, and gifts. Krista is also planning to launch a s’mores bar for pop-up events later this year.
What still amazes you about this journey?
“The community,” Krista says. “The love and support at the farmers markets has been life-changing. Between customers and fellow vendors, every connection means something. I love hearing people’s ideas — and figuring out how to make them happen.”
So next time you’re at the market, head over to Krista’s table and grab a bag (or two) of her twisted flavors. Trust us — your winter mug will thank you.