Disclaimer: This week’s treat is actually a confection and not a cookie. (My brother-in-law, who pops in weekly for his “cookie of the week”, was not impressed that candy would make the cut – but oh well!)
Homemade marshmallows, takes a childhood treat to a whole new level of sophistication. I have always been intrigued with candy making, and marshmallows seemed interesting because of the endless flavor and colors they could be made with. There is something so dreamy about these fluffy sugary pillows. The first time I tried them, I was left with fluffy pink pillows with the most horrible chemical like flavor. I think it was a combination of the pink food coloring and lack of decent flavoring.
My second attempt at marshmallows (which took 3 years to consider), was a complete success. I am actually munching on one as I write this (If my dietician is reading this, I have figured out a way to fit them in my plan).
If you want to try these, do get yourself a candy thermometer. It may seem like a bore, but is crucial in any candy making.
Enjoy
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water, divided
3- 1/4 oz. packets gelatin (I used Kolatin)
1 large vanilla bean, seeds scraped
pinch of salt
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
Directions
1. Spray a 9x13 pan with non stick spray and line with baking paper. Sift a thick coating of icing sugar over the bottom of the pan.
2. Pour 3/4 cup of water into a mixer bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and add the vanilla bean seeds and salt.
3. Put remaining ½ cup water, sugar, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook, stirring, over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Set your candy thermometer in the pot, and turn heat to high. Bring to a boil without stirring until the syrup reaches 244 degrees. (If your syrup turns amber colored, do not throw out, it can still work and your marshmallows will have a caramel flavor)
4. With the mixer on medium low speed, slowly pour hot syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Turn mixer to high and beat for a full 10 minutes.
5. Working with a greased spatula, pour marshmallow into your pan and smooth the top. Sift a thick layer of icing sugar over the entire top and let sit at room temperature for 12 hours.
6. Turn over marshmallows and using a knife coated with non stick spray cut into 1 inch squares. Throw the squares into a Ziploc bag with icing sugar and toss until the marshmallows are all coated and not sticking to each other.
This recipe was part of a series done using Bakto Flavors Products. To read full article and see other featured recipes using Bakto products click here.
