Homemade Marshmallows ~easy and luscious

Steps to get to these luscious clouds of wonder...as follows.

 

 

Recipe and steps:

3 packages unflavored gelatin

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 tsp. salt (I use less)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Confectioners' sugar for dusting

 

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.

Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.  Raise the heat to high  and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.  Remove from heat.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin.  Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes.  Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly. (I didn't set my mixer all the way to high, but just about. I don't want you to burn up your mixer...so watch it.  If it labors after a while turn it down a little.) The picture above shows about mid-point in the 15 minute beating session. It will be VERY thick. Don't worry, it is SO easy.

 

With a sieve, generously dust an 8x11 glass baking dish with confectioners' sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the baking dish, smooth the top, and dust with more confectioners' sugar.  Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out.  Turn the marshmallows onto a board, the next day, and cut them in squares.  Dust with more confectioners' sugar.

 

 

I always use the recipe from Barefoot Contessa's family style cookbook.  She has made them on her TV show too and I saw how easy they are to make.

I think it would be fun to greet guests who traveled far for Thanksgiving with a big cup of hot chocolate topped with a marshmallow square...or with a big gin and tonic. LOL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

We are planning to put some of these homemade beauties on top of our sweet potato casserole Thanksgiving Day.