Marshmallows!

I am not a huge fan of store bought marshmallows.  But the first time I made homemade marshmallows I was sold!  They are fun to make and eat, and these heart shaped marshmallows are great for Valentines Day!

1 1/4 envelopes unflavored gelatin (1 packet plus 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
1 cup sugar, divided

1/3 cup light corn syrup

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg white
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
cooking spray
gel food coloring

Line a 9x9 inch pan with plastic wrap.  Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray. 

Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 of water in a small bowl.  Set aside.

In medium saucepan combine remaining water, corn syrup and 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar.  Cook over medium high heat without stirring until candy thermometer reaches 260 degrees, about 10-15 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in gelatin.

In mixer bowl beat vanilla, salt and egg white until foamy.  Gradually add in remaining 2 tablespoons sugar until still peaks form over high speed.  Reduce speed to medium and slowly pour in sugar-gelatin mixture.  Beat until very thick, about 5 minutes (increase speed to high about half way through).  Add a drop of gel food coloring at minute 4 if desired.  You can tell if the mixture is ready by pulling up the whisk out of the bowl, if the mix falls fast and thin it is not ready.  If it falls slow and thick it is ready!

 

Pour mixture evenly into prepared pan.  Lightly coat another piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray and lay on top of marshmallows.  Place in fridge 8 hours or overnight.

Sprinkle powdered sugar and cornstarch over cutting board.  Remove top plastic wrap and invert mixture onto board.  Cut marshmallows into desired shapes or cut into squares.  Coat all edges of cut shapes with the sugar and cornstarch.