Friday, December 21, 2012

homemade peppermint marshmallows

For the past few years, around Christmas time, I've been making homemade treats for my coworkers. This year I decided to make homemade peppermint marshmallows so I can cross it off my 30 before 30 list.

I have been wanting to make homemade marshmallows for so long. I think I've always been intimidated by the fact that you have to use a candy thermometer and work with hot sugar. I have a fear of burning things, especially myself!

I decided to use Alton Brown's homemade marshmallow recipe. It got really good reviews and other bloggers seem to like that recipe too. I can totally see why. The marshmallows tasted like little peppermint pillows of air from Heaven! No joke! Making marshmallows from scratch was so easy too! The hardest part of the whole process what waiting for the marshmallows to firm up, which took about 4 hours. I was able to wrap up all my Christmas gifts while waiting.


Now that I am no longer afraid to make marshmallows, I'm completely excited about all of the possible flavors of marshmallows to try! If you too have been intimated by making homemade marshmallows like me, don't be! You can do it! It was super easy! Just make sure you read over the recipe a couple times and make sure you have all of your ingredients measured and ready to go. That will help a a lot. Oh and get a candy thermometer! I got mine from Hobby Lobby for only $3.99 (that price is without a coupon)!

Peppermint marshmallows with hot chocolate...perfect combo!

Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
adapted from this recipe from Alton Brown

Ingredients

  • 3 packages unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup ice cold water, divided
  • 12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • Nonstick spray

    Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

  • In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

    Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the peppermint extract during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.
Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Drop red food coloring onto the marshmallows and use a toothpick to swirl the food coloring on the marshmallows. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

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15 comments:

  1. That looks so tasty! I have a fear of burning myself which I do frequently. lol awesome job on the sweets!

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  2. This looks unbelievably good. Thanks for the recipe. I pinned this also. Linda

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  3. These are so cute! I'm also afraid of making marshmallows (I'm terrified of burning anything edible), but maybe I'll give it a try since you make it sound so easy!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kristi! Just follow the recipe exactly, good luck!

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  4. Those marshmallows sound delicious, especially dropped into a cup of hot chocolate. I have been wanting to them myself, but never thought of peppermint flavored. I found your blog thru a link u from 4youwithlove blog, where you and I were featured. I thought she had a really fantastic idea, so I am making it a point to visit those blogs she featured and pay it forward by following them. Merry Christmas

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Tammy! I'll definitely do thee same. You need to try this combo, it's perfect for this time of year and of course super yummy!

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  5. This looks wonderful but I think it is for someone else to make, not me! I found you on 4youwithlove where I was featured also. I am paying it forward and following all the blogs too. Happy Holidays and happy blogging. Keep up the good work.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Donna! I have those moments too, where I wish someone else makes me food! haha

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  6. Love Alton!! These are so great and perfect for hc! Thanks for sharing at Foodtastic Friday!

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  7. Hi Stephanne! Thanks for the follow. This recipe looks great I can't wait to try it! Happy Holidays!!

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  8. Hi Stephanne!!! Yummy.... I found your post on 4youwithlove where I was also featured. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays.

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  9. oh man i haven't been reading blogs in two weeks. i'm so behind. this is so awesome. you need to make some for our next girls' night...whenever that is...sad!

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