Somehow, in the last fortnight, I’ve become a marshmallow trafficker. A return trip to Sweetness: The Patisserie in Epping involves four train-changes and I’ve found myself repeating this State-Rail-reliant schedule a few times. (The pay-off is worth battling public transport for.) Today I came back with three gift boxes (a delivery for Will) and more rosewater and guava marshmallows.

The Christmas-centric flavours I’m enjoying the most, though, are the Gingerbread Snowflakes ($4.50 each), a treat that makes you wish a decline in temperature really was so sweet-spiced and well-baked; and the full-punch taste of Peppermint Marshmallows ($6 for six). If you prefer something with flavour that’s turned down a little (but face it, that ‘pow!’ in the mouth is the fun of peppermint), there are also Gingerbread and Brown Sugar and Cinnamon mallows. And, less holiday-ish but just as seasonal, Cherry & Almond options.

So these can a back-up plan, in case you get sick of fruitcake or pudding. Although, I reckon, these sweets could be good enough to headline as Plan A.

Sweetness The Patisserie, 38 Oxford Street, Epping NSW (02) 9869 3800, www.sweetness.com.au (see website for local market locations as well).