Homemade Marshmallows

I love marshmallows. I like to eat them as a snack while watching TV or reading.
S'mores are good too.
Melted in my hot chocolate is also great.
I love them so much that I decided to make them myself. And what I found out is that they are slightly sweeter then the store bought ones.

Marshmallows

thick ooey gooey yumminess

 

2 1/2 Tablespoons of Unflavored Gelatin {approximately 3 1/2 envelopes}
2 Cups Cold Water
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
Confectioners’ Sugar (powdered sugar for dusting)

Combine unflavored gelatin and half of the cold water (1/2cup) into the mixing bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes.

In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt and the rest of the 1/2 cup of water. Over low heat, stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved.

Turn the heat to high and boil mixture, do not stir, until it reaches 244°on a candy thermometer. (Approximately 12 minutes) 

Immediately remove pan from heat.

Mix on low speed, slowly pour the syrupy mixture into the gelatin.

Turn up the speed to high and beat until very thick, white and nearly tripled in volume. (About 15 minutes) Add vanilla, mix until incorporated.

Now the, ahem, the fun part.

Spray a 13 x 9 glass pan with non-stick spray and dust with powdered sugar.  Pour marshmallow mixture into pan and sift/sprinkle a good layer of powdered sugar on top. Wet your hands (to prevent sticking) and gently press on mixture, making sure it is even in the pan and somewhat smooth. Sift/sprinkle another coating of powdered sugar on top and place uncovered in the fridge for about 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

Or until firm.

Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar. Run a knife around the edges of the pan and flip it over. You may need to use your fingertips to pull the marshmallow out. Be gentle or you may rip the block of marshmallow.

With a knife, cut into squares. Dust the knife before each cut with powdered sugar. A clean dry knife helps keep the cuts clean and square. Toss the cut marshmallows with powdered sugar to fully coat in a large gallon sized zipper baggie (or large bowl, but that tends to get messy). This helps to prevent them from sticking together. 

They will keep for several weeks in an airtight container.

I tried them out at a friend's house by making s'mores.

They were a hit!