Homemade Marshmallows

Adapted from Barefoot Contessa: Family Style

 

I know I have a lot of loyal followers and all 3 of you have been going insane with nothing to read…  Any who, with being back in school I decided to take a break from the blogosphere and concentrate on my finals – passed with flying colors by the way.  :)  I know I owe you guys recipes and I assure you that I have still been cooking up a storm because that is kinda what I do. 

Onto HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS!!!!  So, I decided to make these for Thanksgiving.  After such a large meal I thought it would be a great idea to have something a little lighter so we had Stovetop Hot Chocolate and of course the marshmallows!  I love marshmallows, especially these.  They are light, airy and so delicious.  When people heard that I was bringing Marshmallows they all looked at me as if I had lost my mind or there was this crazy pause on the end of the telephone.  They are really easy to make and the reward is well worth the effort I promise.  I will never look at marshmallows the same way again.

Ingredients:

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Confections sugar, for dusting and general non sticking (I used almost a full bag…..)

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

Meanwhile, 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.

With a sieve, generously dust an 8 x 12 inch non-metal baking dish (coat this well because the marshmallows will stick – promise!!) with confectioners sugar.  Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, smooth the top, and dust with more confectioners sugar.  Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out.

Turn marshmallows onto a board and cut them into squares (I find it is best to use kitchen shears).  Dust them with more confectioners sugar..

Makes 20 to 40 marshmallows.