Vanilla Bean Marshmallows

Thank you guys for the well wishes yesterday! I am feeling sort of better...enough to go to the farmers market and flirt with the cute guy that sells me salad :) I actually got some stuff done too instead of just sitting around all day. Last week, I was introduced to the 101 in 1001 list via Miss Marie. I loved the idea that instead of setting traditional new year's resolutions that you may or may not keep, you come up with a list of specific, attainable goals in a set time period. Plus, I love that the time period is really long so you can set some lofty goals and some immediate goals. As I get closer to 30 (ugh, so scared), I want to come up with some things so that I won't feel I have been completely useless with my life up until that point. I spent much of yesterday coming up with a little more than half my list. Unfortunately for you, I am going to keep my list private, but I may share with you when I reach a few of the goals. What does all of this have to do with homemade marshmallows? Absolutely nothing! Right before I started food blogging, I came across the concept of making your own marshmallows. The thought had never even occurred to me before, but now I think it is a brilliant idea. It gave me a chance to put my new stand mixer to good use and it was kind of fun too!! The marshmallows are good on their own, but put them in a mug of steaming hot homemade cocoa and well... you have something out of this world!!


Vanilla Bean Marshmallows
(From Slashfood)

.75-oz unflavored gelatin (3 envelopes of Knox gelatin)
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cups light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Seeds from one vanilla bean

Line 9 x 9-inch pan with plastic wrap and lightly oil it. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Soak for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine sugar, corn syrup, vanilla bean seeds and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and boil hard for 1 minute. Pour the boiling syrup into soaked gelatin and turn on the mixer, using the whisk attachment, to high speed. Add the salt and beat for 12 minutes.

Using a greased spatula, scrape marshmallow into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Take another piece of lightly oiled plastic wrap and press lightly on top of the marshmallow, creating a seal. Let mixture sit for a few hours, or overnight, until cooled and firmly set.

In a shallow dish, combine equal parts cornstarch and confectioners' sugar. Remove marshmallow from pan and cut into equal pieces with scissors or a chef's knife (it helps if whatever tool you use is greased). Dredge each piece of marshmallow in confectioners' sugar mixture. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 40 large marshmallows, depending on the size you choose to cut them.

Hot Chocolate
(From the back of the Kroger Unsweetened Cocoa carton)

Makes 1 serving

In a large, microwave safe mug combine 1 heaping teaspoon unsweetened cocoa, 2 heaping teaspoons sugar, and a dash of salt. Add 2 teaspoons cold milk and stir until smooth. Full mug with milk, microwave on high 1-4 minutes or until hot. Stir midway through heating and when hot.