A couple years ago I made homemade marshmallows and couldn’t believe how easy they were to make and how wonderful they were to eat. For a marshmallow lover, this was such an important (yes, important) discovery.
It seemed like a perfect time to make marshmallows again because I feel like marshmallows are such a happy little treat. And who doesn’t need a good dose of happy right now, right? I mean, with all the yucky political tension, the uncertainty of what feels like a never-ending pandemic, and SO many other things, I just find so much solace is the simple things.
Simple Things Can Help us Feel Better
And it’s especially key for me, at this point in my life, to take a step back and just try to soak in some goodness by doing things I enjoy, like cooking and baking for sure, but also spending time with the closest people in my life. What a gift we have in just being able to sit next to somebody who truly loves us for who we are and vice versa. Just pure and honest love is just the medicine we need sometimes.
The other thing that’s important for me when the world around us is going mad, is to remember that there is always good happening in the midst of the not-so-good. For example, my lovely daughter is about to marry the love of her life and is expecting her second child (grand baby #7 in the oven – yay me!). In a couple weeks, I get to be beside her at her sweet, San Francisco elopement ceremony. And while that’s the big next thing, there are those countless, everyday miracles that give me a million reasons for which to be thankful.
I hope you feel that in your life too. Sometimes it truly is about taking the time to just be thankful for so many of those things we sometimes may take for granted. Like even fresh air, or the ability to exercise, or that hot plate of food in front of us, or even our beating heart that keeps us alive. I’ve found myself on my knees just thanking God for those simple things when my heart is hurting, and it has many times changed the state of my heart. Not always, but it’s a great starting place.
And that brings me back to homemade marshmallows…
I have to say that making these fluffy little, sweet treats with my grand kids the other night was such a welcome distraction to something hard that’s been going on in my heart and life. So until I feel better, I’ll be praying and making marshmallows (ok, and some other things). Maybe the next round will be toasted coconut marshmallows. Yum.
Enjoy!
Fluffy Vanilla Homemade Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 1 tsp canola oil for greasing pan
- 3/4 c water (split)
- 3 Tbsp gelatin I used 3 packets of Knox gelatin.
- 2 c granulated sugar
- 1/3 c corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 c powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line an 8"x8" square pan with plastic wrap and grease with canola oil.
- In bowl of stand mixer, or mixing bowl (if using hand mixer), add 1/2 cup of the water (1/4 cup should be left for later) and sprinkle gelatin on top. Stir briefly to incorporate; let stand for several minutes.
- While the gelatin is soaking, add the sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/4 cup of water to a small pot. Heat to medium and stir with wire whisk until all the sugar has dissolved. Make sure to scrape down any sugar granules on the side of the pan.
- Turn heat to medium high and bring mixture to a boil and let mixture bubble until candy thermometer reaches 240°F. If you don't have a thermometer, just let bubble for about 5 minutes. To make sure it’s at the hard ball stage, drizzle a small amount of the sugar syrup into a small bowl of cold water. If it dissolves, it’s not there yet. Once the syrup forms a shape in the water and it doesn’t dissolve between your fingers, it’s ready.
- Once sugar mixture is ready, careful pour down the side of the mixing bowl while beating with whisk attachment on low speed (at first) and then turn speed up to high. Beat for several minutes until mixture has formed until a thick, fluffy marshmallow.
- Spread into the prepared pan and with greased fingers level the top and push into the corners. Place greased plastic wrap over the top and gently smooth and seal. Leave on counter for at least four hours to set. Or place in refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.
- Once set, carefully turn out onto parchment paper or clean surface sprinkled with powdered sugar. With a sharp knife, dusted in powdered sugar, slice into square pieces. As you slice, push sticky sides into the powdered sugar. Dust additional powdered sugar on marshmallows.
- To store, simply wrap in plastic wrap or air tight container.
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