Word in Spanish for a marshmallow-like candy in Venezuela

Question

In Merida, Venezuela, I was served a kind of dulce, spongy, light brown or tan, made with raw cane sugar and gelatin. It is similar to marshmallow, but in the form of a long fat finger. I have forgotten what they called it. Any help?

Answer 1

I believe you may be referring to "Aliados", which if I remember correctly, may be either white or brown, depending on the type of sugar you use.

La "carlotina", mentioned by DJ, like the "beso de monja" is a similar confection, but actually closer to the standard marshmellow than these things.

Yes, this is the word that was used, thanks!! But why? The word aliado means ally, or allied. - hharmony, Apr 26, 2011

No idea; I have often wondered myself. Several of the Venezuelan confections have some rather peculiar names. :) - Gekkosan, Apr 26, 2011

Answer 2

I saw something which sounds similar in Baños, Ecuador called Melcocha. But there were different flavourings with different colours.

The places that sold it had guys standing outside preparing it on hooks, stretching and looping it over and over again.

See it here

I think this is different, it is not taffy, not pure cane but puffy, light. I did not see it made, it was purchased from a supermarket but not industrially packaged, it came wrapped in light plastic like you would find fresh meat. - hharmony, Apr 26, 2011

Actually hharmony, this particular sweet mentioned by Alan isn't industrial packaged either. I've looked at the methods used to make it, and if you follow the link provided, the pics look exactly like what you described. A guy slinging it to shape, etc.. - DJ_Huero, Apr 26, 2011

I wouldn't describe the sweet I saw as "puffy" it was more chewy. We don't have anything like it in the UK and I can't say that we get much taffy here either so I can't compare unfortunately. - AlanFielding, Apr 26, 2011

Answer 3

Well, I found a couple things, here's a Venezuelan sweets specialty shop here. Hope that helps... maybe you can get some.

(If you find it, don't be afraid to share )

Update: It may be something called "carlotina"

Answer 4

sounds yummy