As kids, we were warned not to poke each other with our pointy, metal roasting sticks.

One year, my aunt got burned by a flying, flaming marshmallow.

Another year, after much thought and study, my dad decreed that the perfect way to cook a marshmallow without catching it on fire was "two seconds in" (the flame), then "two seconds out" (of the flame).

I'm not sure if the method works because I prefer to roast my marshmallows slowly, over coals.

Of course, this brings problems of its own. Crouching so close to the fire means lots of smoke and ash in your face. And no matter how diligent I am about turning it -- just like a rotisserie -- the darn thing always browns only on one side before sagging off the stick in seek of a graham cracker or mouth.

This year, my aunt (the same one who was scalded by the flaming marshmallow projectile) showed up with the latest and greatest in marshmallow-roasting technology: the telescoping, spinning marshmallow-roasting stick.

It starts out about the size of a water bottle, but extends way out for the ultimate in marshmallow-roasting comfort. No more balancing over flames and choking on smoke! Just sit back in your camp chair and flick your finger to spin the dial by the handle that keeps the marshmallow turning at an even rate over the flame or coals.

Wow, what will they think of next.

(In case you're wondering where to get one of these, my aunt got hers at Cabela's and a quick Google search confirms they're available online as well. Prices vary.)