Homemade Marshmallows

I wanted to make something for a few of my friends for Christmas, something they could enjoy during the cold winter months ahead. I decided on homemade marshmallows, because they look so fun to make, and I heard they tasted 10X better than the store-bought version. These were fun to make, and yes, they do taste 100X better than the store-bought version. In fact, last night, we used them to dip in chocolate fondue. Yum...rich, but yum. I used AB's recipe, and what a cinch! However, I will say, I'm glad I have a KitchenAid mixer, because I'm not sure if a regular mixer would've stood the test here. You do a lot of mixing on high for quite a bit of time.

My marshmallows were not quite as puffy (once cut) as the ones in the grocery store, because I spread them in a 1/2 sheet pan. Next time, I might just make thicker ones by spreading them in a quarter sheet pan. And there will be a next time because the variations are endless! I made vanilla, but you could make chocolate, peppermint, honey, etc...

Homemade Marshmallows (recipe via Alton Brown)
Ingredients:
3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray

1. Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

Gelatin blooming...

2. In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

3. Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

4. Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

5. When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

6. Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.