posted by Emma 08-05-100 10:14 AM
Homemade Marshmallows
2 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Let stand 30 minutes.
Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small, heavy saucepan; set over low heat, and stir until sugar has dissolved. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals.
Clip on a candy thermometer; raise heat to high. Without stirring, cook syrup until it reaches the firm-ball stage (244 degrees). Immediately remove pan from heat.
With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.
Cover an 8-by-12-inch glass baking pan with aluminum foil, and apply non-stick vegetable spray. Pour marshmallow mixture into pan. Smooth with spatula sprayed with vegetable spray. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out. Turn out onto a board, and using a dry hot knife, cut marshmallows into 1 1/2-inch squares, and dust with more sugar.
Makes about 40