Today's science experiment
It's quite easy to toast the perfect marshmallow over an electric stove burner. Pre-heat it until it glows, then hold the marshmallow an inch or two above it. Rotate slowly but evenly to toast it well. Watch VERY closely, though; when it looks like the marshmallow is getting soft, remove it from the heat. You wouldn't want it to slide off your stick and land on the stove element!
Using a candle is safer in that sense, but it's also a lot harder to toast the perfect marshmallow. You need to warm it up before it will start toasting, and you have to move it pretty much constantly. The candle is essentially a point-source of heat when it comes to marshmallows, so you'll get an area of bubbling-up -- and if you don't move it then, of flame -- if you aren't moving it fast enough. Of course, if you move it too fast, it won't toast at all. It's a tough balancing act to play, but rewarding when you can get it done right.
Using a candle is safer in that sense, but it's also a lot harder to toast the perfect marshmallow. You need to warm it up before it will start toasting, and you have to move it pretty much constantly. The candle is essentially a point-source of heat when it comes to marshmallows, so you'll get an area of bubbling-up -- and if you don't move it then, of flame -- if you aren't moving it fast enough. Of course, if you move it too fast, it won't toast at all. It's a tough balancing act to play, but rewarding when you can get it done right.