Basic Marshmallow

After realizing that I would need to rewrite a recipe for all the variations of marshmallows I like to make, I decided to add the basic marshmallow recipe to the arsenal and you can tweak them anyone you please.

Ingredients 

2 packets unflavored gelatin

1/2 c cold water

2 c granulated sugar

2/3 c light corn syrup

1/4 c water

1/4 tsp coarse kosher salt

1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 c confectioners sugar
1/4 c cornstarch

whatever you want to use to decorate
*keep your cooking spray handy!*

Method

-Lightly spray a 11x14 glass dish with cooking spray 

*NOTE* The depth will determine the size of your marshmallow.

-In a mixing bowl sprinkle gelatin on top of 1/2 c cold water and allow to sit.

-In a medium saucepan mix together sugar, corn syrup & 1/4 c of water over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.  Boil rapidly for at least 1 minute.

 -Mix gelatin and water at a medium speed while slowly pouring the hot sugar liquid into mixing bowl.  Add salt & vanilla and beat on high for 12 minutes.  

You will notice that the mixture doubles in size.

*NOTE* This is where you can vary the recipe by adding a different flavor extract.

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- Use a rubber spatula (sprayed with cooking spray) to QUICKLY transfer marshmallow goo from mixing bowl into glass dish.  Once you stop the mixer, the marshmallows will begin to set and you will have a minute or two at the most before they become too stiff to spread nicely!

 Decorate as desired.  Lick your fingers and spatula!

 *TRICK* Spray a piece of parchment paper with cooking spray and press on top to smooth out and make the thickness of the marshmallows more even.   Leave parchment paper on and let set for at least 2 hours.

When ready to cut, set out another mixing bowl with 1/4 cup confectioners sugar & 1/4 cup cornstarch. Spray a pair of kitchen shears with cooking spray and cut marshmallows into squares, placing them into the mixing bowl as you go.  I used to use a big butcher knife but I feel like I have more control when I use scissors, must be a have been all those years cutting hair.  The marshmallows will be super-sticky so gently roll them in the cornstarch & confectioners sugar mixture to un-stick them.   The ones to the right are just jazzed up with green and yellow food coloring - GO DUCKS!
EAT!