Marshmallows...yes you can make them!

While looking for something fun and yummy to make as part of some Christmas gifts I decided on homemade marshmallows. I knew they'd be the perfect addition to the mugs and cocoa I was handing out. I did a simple google search and landed a ton of recipes. They were all pretty much the same so I just picked one. They were incredibly easy to make and oh are they delicious! I made vanilla like the recipe and also did a batch of cinnamon sugar (my fave)! Thought I'd share with you in case you too needed something unique to make this Christmas...friends and family have given me rave reviews!

.75-oz unflavored gelatin (3 envelopes of Knox gelatin)
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cups light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

combine for coating
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup corn starch

In a shallow dish, combine equal parts cornstarch and confectioners' sugar. Line 9 x 11 inch pan with plastic wrap and lightly oil it. Lightly coat with confectioners sugar mixture. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Soak for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine sugar, corn syrup and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and boil hard for 1 minute.
Pour the boiling syrup into soaked gelatin and turn on the mixer, using the whisk attachment, to high speed. Add the salt and beat for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, add in the vanilla extract beat to incorporate.
Scrape marshmallow into the prepared pan and spread evenly (Lightly greasing your hands and the spatula helps a lot here). Lightly sprinkle confectioners sugar mixture over marshmallow. Take another piece of lightly oiled plastic wrap and press lightly on top of the marshmallow, creating a seal. Let mixture sit for a few hours, or overnight, until cooled and firmly set.
Remove marshmallow from pan and cut into equal pieces with pizza cutter. Dredge each piece of marshmallow in confectioners' sugar mixture (or in cinnamon sugar mixture if you prefer).

These are perfect in you favorite cup of coffee or cocoa or on S'mores!! Happy eating!