Holiday Treats

It’s that time of year!  Winter time brings out the cozy aspects of the season and one of those is creating yummy treats!  At least in this house it is.  So yesterday I did just that!

We love hot cocoa with melting marshmallows on top, however I am not a fan of all the ingredients in store bought mallows.   So we create our own!  This is a super easy recipe that is pretty much fool proof.  They come out delicious every time.  And you can add other Vitality flavors!  We love peppermint, so Peppermint Vitality it is!

Here is the recipe:

Homemade Marshmallows

• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (2 envelopes Knox)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup cold water
• 2 drops Peppermint Vitality 
• 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for dusting)

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Mix together the cornstarch and powdered sugar in a medium bowl.  Line a 9×5 or larger baking dish with parchment paper and then dust with a layer of the cornstarch/powdered sugar mixture, set aside.
2. In a small bowl, add the 1/2 cup of cold water and sprinkle the gelatin over it.  Allow the gelatin to soften for about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, add the other 1/2 cup of water and the granulated sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Stir and cook until sugar is dissolved.  
4. Add the gelatin and stir until fully mixed into the sugar water.  Bring just to a boil and then remove from heat.
5. Pour into the bowl of a stand mixer and allow to cool for a few minutes.
6. Add the vanilla and Peppermint Vitality, then beat on medium -medium high in the mixer for 10-15 minutes, until mixture is white and glossy and has doubled in volume. (You may need to slowly raise the speed to avoid splashing at first.)
7. Pour into prepared pan (the smaller your pan is, the thicker the marshmallows will be). Use a spatula to smooth the top. Dust with a thin layer of the cornstarch/sugar mixture.  Allow to set for several hours, until the marshmallows are not sticky to the touch.
8. Remove from dish and use a slightly greased knife or pizza cutter to cut into squares.  Dust each square in the cornstarch/sugar mixture, then dust off excess powder.