Homemade Marshmallows

I made homemade marshmallows for our fondue party and they turned out great! Surprisingly, they are not too difficult to make.

Ingredients:

• 3 packages of unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
  

Directions:

1. Spray a 9x 13 pan with non-stick spray. Sprinkle powered sugar in the pan and coat the entire bottom and sides.

2. Pour the 1/2 cup cold water into a mixer bowl, sprinkle gelatin in, and run the mixer on low for 30 seconds to combine.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1/4 cup water, salt, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir a few times to combine. Place over medium heat and heat 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and wait a few seconds for the bubbles to settle.

4. Turn the mixer on low and slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the mixer bowl. Once it is all in the bowl, turn the mixer on medium. After 2 to 3 minutes, turn the mixer on high.

5. Mix until white, glossy, and very thick--about 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla extract. (You could also add any food coloring at this point for holiday-type marshies, or some peppermint flavoring.) Mix in the extract about 1 more minute.

6. Use a spatula with non-stick spray on it and scoop the batter into the pan evenly. Sprinkle a thin layer of powered sugar evenly on top of the marshmallows. Let set for an 1 hour. Cut into squares and dust the sides with powered sugar. Eat!

I had leftover marshies from fondue night, so I ended up dipping half of each marshmallow in chocolate and then placed either a small graham cracker piece on top or a couple m&ms. They were a yummy treat. You can see an example here.