Mochi and marshmallows get makeovers

What could possibly make mochi and marshmallows even better? How about chocolate mochi wrapped around a Waialua dark, salted chocolate truffle or mochi sandwiches spread with peanut butter and azuki? Or marshmallows in flavors of salted caramel, lilikoi and raspberry lemon drop? Farmers-market vendor Bentos, Mochi and Delectables takes mochi and marshmallows to new levels … and new names—nicknaming its gourmet marshmallows “Marshmahalos.”

Kui Bento (yes, that’s his real last name) started making mochi for his mochi-obsessed daughter, and then marshmallows for hot chocolate and family movie nights. Once he started, he just couldn’t stop experimenting. “I think there was some sort of connection between [Kui] and the pillowy dessert that seemed to intrigue him,” his wife Kristin says.

For us, these new takes on some of our favorite treats are beyond intriguing, they’re downright crave-worthy.

Bentos, Mochi and Delectables | find them Tuesdays and fridays at Fort Street Mall market, Saturdays at Ala Moana Farmers Market, bentosmd.com