homemade peppermint marshmallows.

oh my goodness you guys, homemade marshmallows are so much better than the ones you buy at the store.  i can't wait to make these again...and dip them in chocolate.  they will be perfect for valentine's day.

ingredients:

nonstick cooking spray

3 {1/4 ounce} packages unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup cold water

2 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract {or 1 teaspoon vanilla if you don't want peppermint}

confectioners' sugar, sifted, for coating

directions:

line a 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan with plastic wrap, leaving a 2 inch overhang on all sides.  spray with cooking spray; set aside.  

in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 10 minutes.  in a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water.  place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; boil rapidly for 1 minute.  remove from heat, and, with the mixer on high, slowly pour the boiling syrup down the side of the mixer bowl into gelatin mixture.  add salt and turn mixer to medium-low and continue mixing for approximately 12 minutes.

add peppermint extract {or vanilla} and mix until well combined.  spray a rubber spatula or your hands with cooking spray.  spread mixture evenly into pan using prepared spatula or your hands.  spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place, spray side down, on top of the marshmallows.  let stand for at least 2 hours - or overnight for best results.

carefully remove marshmallows from pan.  remove all plastic wrap and discard.  cut marshmallows into 2 inch squares using a sprayed sharp knife.  place sifted confectioners' sugar in a large bowl.  working in batches, add marshmallows to bowl and toss to coat.  marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container up to 3 days.

recipe via martha stewart.  if you want to see how she makes them go here to watch a clip from her show.  also, to see some photos on how to swirl in some pink {or any other food coloring}, go here.

enjoy!