Homemade Marshmellows

Who knew you could make homemade marshmellows? I sure didn't until I came across this today on momentsofmommyhood.com (which fyi isn't just for moms! lol).

Here's what you need:

2 1/2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup of cold water 

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt 

another 1/2 cup of water 

2 tablespoons of vanilla extract powdered sugar

Directions:
1. Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of water in the bowl of a heavy duty stand mixer. (this is not a job for a hand mixer) Allow that to stand for about 30 minutes.

2. In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and the other 1/2 cup of water. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Turn the heat to high and cook the mixture until it reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. (about 12 minutes)

4.Remove the pan from the heat and slowly pour this mixture into the gelatin mixture. Mixer set on low, with the whisk attachment.

5. Once you have added all the syrup mixture, increase the speed to high and continue beating until the mixture becomes thick and white. It can take about 15 minutes, but my mixer started making a strange noise about 12 minutes in, so I stopped there.

6. Add the vanilla. Mix it in.

7. Oil a 13x9 inch baking pan and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This is very important! The powdered sugar is the key to getting the sticky marshmallows out of the pan when they are set.

8.Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, sprinkle with more powdered sugar, and allow them to set up over night.

9. Run your knife around the outside of the pan to loosen the marshmallows and pull them out. Cut into squares and dust with more powdered sugar so they don't stick together.