Recipe: Homemade Marshmallows

Homemade Marshmallows
Source: Martha Stewart Living
Makes about 40

Marshmallows were originally made from the root of the marshmallow plant; today, corn syrup and sugar are the main ingredients. Homemade ones can be cut into any shape you like.

2 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Let stand 30 minutes.

Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat, and stir until sugar has dissolved. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals.

Clip on a candy thermometer; raise heat to high. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 (firm-ball stage). Immediately remove pan from heat.

With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate. Note from Gladys: At this part of the recipe you can add the chopped chocolate, beat to incorporate too).

Generously dust an 8-by-12-inch glass baking pan with confectioners' sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture into pan. Dust top with confectioners' sugar; wet your hands, and pat it to smooth. Dust with confectioners' sugar (you can also add the coconut now); let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out. Turn out onto a board; cut marshmallows with a dry hot knife into 1 1/2-inch squares, and dust with more confectioners' sugar.

Possible variations: Add coconut extract instead of vanilla. pour into pan coated with toasted coconut and roll cut pieces in toasted coconut instead of cornstarch. Use creme de menthe instead of vanilla for mint marshmallows. Use other flavors/liquers (almond extract, orange, Kahlua, etc.) instead of vanilla. Cut marshmallows into shapes and dip in melted chocolate. Tint marshmallows with food coloring while beating the creme. Cut into holiday shapes (especially nice for spring- Easter, etc.). Time Includes resting time.