Homemade Marshmallows

Good morning! How are you and how is your week coming along? Are you ready for the big weekend? I said this past week that whatever was not finished on Tuesday was not going to be finished, luckily I finished everything on my list. Including a few extra things like these scrumptious homemade marshmallows, some of which I left plain and some of which I covered in chocolate. 

I have always want to make marshmallows but never have because they seemed like a challenge. These tasty morsels could not get any easier though.  You basically put the gelatin in the mixer bowl with water and then the rest of the ingredients (minus the vanilla) in a saucepan and boil, when the mixture reaches 250 degrees pour into the mixer and blend for 12 minutes. Pour into a pan, let sit and voila you have sweet, tasty marshmallows. 

Homemade Marshmallows

3 envelopes unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup cold water

2 cup sugar

2/3 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

powdered sugar for dredging

Line 9×13-inch pan with wax paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water to soften, let sit about 10 min.

Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt  and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan, cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the mixture reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer.  With the mixer on low speed slowly pour the syrup onto the dissolved gelatin. Then turn the mixer on high speed for 12 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.  After 12 minutes, add vanilla, and beat to incorporate.

Spray a rubber spatula with cooking spray, be careful the mixture might be quite hot.  Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan.  Cover the pan with a piece of plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray and softly press onto the top of the marshmallow mixture.  Let the mixture cool on the counter to set for a few hours or over night.

When you are ready to cut the marshmallows, lightly dust counter with powdered sugar and tip the marshmallows out of the pan, then dust the top with powdered sugar. Cut into pieces using a knife or scissors then dredge in powdered sugar.  Store in an airtight container.

At this point if you want you can chocolate cover the marshmallows. 

I put the marshmallows into cellophane bags tied with ribbon and give along with a some of my favorite drinking chocolate. The chocolate covered marshmallows I add to the  trays of chocolate and cookies that I give to friends. 

Have you ever made marshmallows or do you have another tasty treat that you make? I hope that whatever you are making or doing in the last few days before the holiday that you are enjoying yourself.

Have a wonderful day and safe travels.