Homemade Marshmallows

Wow, this is my 300th post!  Thanks for another hundred! :)  I  love my readers.  And don't forget there is just one more day to enter the baking mat  giveaway!  Have you ever made marshmallows?  Well, now I can say that I have.  This was my first try, and I was excited to do so!  I really like the way they turned out, and I have a feeling that even though we have three pretty large mason jars full of them right now....they'll go pretty fast.  :)  They are that good!  I like my recipe because you know exactly what is in them, and they are super light and fluffy!  Just like marshmallows should be right?!?  :)  Hope you enjoy! 

Marshmallows:
2/3 c. Water
2 pkgs. Gelatin (2 - 1/4 oz. pkgs.)
1/2 c. Corn Syrup
3/4 c. Sugar
3/4 c. Powdered Sugar
Optional :  
Flavoring (Peppermint, Cinnamon, Spearmint, etc....)
Food Coloring

For Dusting mix:
3/4 c. Powdered Sugar
1/2 c. Corn Starch

1.  In the bowl of your mixer combine the water and gelatin packages.

2.  Combine the corn syrup, sugar and 3/4 c. powdered sugar in a medium saucepan.  Slowly heat, stirring rather frequently.  Heat until the sugar dissolves, or it is about 240 degrees.

3.  Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.  Then dust with powdered sugar/corn starch mixture.  Set aside.

4.  Once sugar has dissolved in the saucepan, carefully pour that mixture into the mixing bowl and mix with the gelatin mixture.  (If you would like to add flavor and/or coloring, do so at this time.  I used 1 t. Peppermint and 2 drops of red food coloring for mine.  But do whatever you feel like!  For stronger flavor use 1 t. for a more subtle flavor just use 1/2 t.)  :)

5.  Start out on a low speed, and then as it starts to thicken you can move it to one of the highest speeds.  (I used it on 8 (out of 10 speeds).  Mix it on the higher speed for about 15-20 minutes.  The mixture will be lukewarm after 15-20 minutes and it should be light and fluffy looking.  (Refer to picture for various stages of the process.)

6.  Once it is light and fluffy (yet thick) take it out of the mixer.  Give it a stir with a spatula and set it by the prepared 9 x 13 pan.

7.  Pour into the pan and try to spread it out as evenly as you can.  Then dust the top with the powdered sugar/corn starch mixture.  (I used a sifter, but you don't have to!)

8.  Let the marshmallows cool and set up for about 3-4 hours.  (Or overnight)

9.  After that time, you can turn them out onto a cutting board and slice into your desired shapes/sizes.  I used a pizza cutter, and just would dust it with the mixture every once in a while.  I did about 1" squares, but also made some smaller ones.  Once you cut them be sure to dust each piece so they don't stick together.  I just put the remainder of the cornstarch/powdered sugar mixture in a bowl and toss the marshmallows in to cover.

10.  Store in airtight containers until ready to use!

Enjoy!!!  

We just had some in hot cocoa, and it was a treat to have a pepperminty touch on top!  :)