Homemade Marshmallows
The taste of homemade marshmallows is unbelievably rich compared to the store-bought variety. And with the opportunity to flavor or shape them as you desire, who wouldn't want to try this fun treat? While dealing with the sugar syrup is clearly a job for grownups, spreading the marshmallow in the pan and cutting them out is one kids will enjoy.
3 packages (1/4-ounce each) unflavored gelatin
1 cup (8 ounces) cool water, divided
1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar
1 cup (11 ounces) light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) vanilla extract
crushed peppermint candies, peppermint oil, or espresso powder, all optional
confectioners' sugar, to sprinkle on top
Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup cool water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup cool water in a small, deep saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook, without stirring, until the syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.
With mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase the speed to high, and whip until the mixture is very thick and fluffy, and has cooled to lukewarm, 8 to 10 minutes. (It should be cool enough that you can spread it into the pan without burning your fingers.)
Add vanilla towards the end of the mixing time. This is also the time to add a few drops of peppermint oil, if desired, instead of vanilla extract. Or try 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder for a coffee-flavored treat. To use the crushed peppermint candies, which will tint the marshmallow pink and add flavor, stir the candies into the marshmallow mixture, leaving some swirls of plain white.
Spread the marshmallow mixture into a greased 9" x 13" pan (glass or ceramic is best). Use your wet hands to smooth and flatten the marshmallows. Sprinkle confectioners' sugar over the top, and let sit for several hours (or overnight) before cutting. Use a greased knife or cookie cutters to make squares or other shapes. Yield: about 100 1" squares.
Reviews
01/01/2010
I have also made flavored marshmallows. I use the same recipe but add small box of suger free jello and cut the unflavored gelatin down to 2 pkgs. I put the jello in with the water and gelatin while I cook the sugar. the first time I made flavored marshmallows I used regular jello and they came out very sweet the sugar free tastes better.
11/16/2009
I always wanted to make my own marshmallows so I tried this recipe to go with the cocoa blocks. Both recipes turned out great. What a fun winter gift. One mug,( inside a wrapped up cocoa block and two wrapped up marshmallows.)
10/09/2009
If I could give these a higher rating I would in a heartbeat!! We've made these since we 1st saw them in the KAF catalog, about 3 yrs ago and they are now a staple from the 1st chilly day to the 1st warm day, and sometimes as a novelty in between. Our children (now 15, 12 & 8) make them on their own and on a whim so I have to make sure to take inventory on ingredients on shopping days. Well worth the time and experimentation, and a wonderful addition to homemade food gifts. We like to let them get a little "stale" so they absorb hot cocoa flavors more. Also be sure to have things like candy making & cookie/cupcake decor on hand to dress them up for special occasions/gift giving.
07/28/2009
Truly excellent marshmallows! I made these for a children's party, and I think the parents enjoyed them as much as the kids! The marshmallows are soft and delicious, and easy to make. I followed the recipe to the letter, and I thought the result perfect.
01/31/2009
The marshmallows are fabulous. Make them ahead. The flavor gets better after sitting in an air tight container for a week or two. When dredging them in powdered sugar, add a tsp. corn startch. I also tried the expresso marshmallows. I prefer a little browner mmw so I also added a TblS.of cocoa to the mix just after pouring the hot mix into the gelatin mix. Also add A liitle cocoa in with powdered sugar when dredging. The first time making, may be a little trying if you have not done this kind of thing. But you will develop tecnique!
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