Vanilla Bean Marshmallows

I found this recipe about a month ago on baked bree.com.  I was really excited to try it and told Ronny I was gonna try and make homemade marshmallows.  His response was, "you can make marshmallows?"  I guess some things we just all assume come pre-made from the store.

Let me tell you, these were easy...I'm pretty sure anyone could make them. And they are really good...just like a regular, grocery store marshmallow, but better.  Don't be scared to try making them, you can do it.  These would also be good to take to a Christmas party along with some hot chocolate.  People will think you are so fancy and talented.

Vanilla Bean Marshmallows

3 packets unflavored gelatin

1 cup water

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

powdered sugar

1.  Pour 1/2 cup of water into a small bowl.  Sprinkle the packages of gelatin over the water.  Give it a whisk.  Let the mixture sit while you make the sugar syrup.

2.  Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, do not stir this mixture.

3.  Once the sugar dissolves, raise the heat to medium-high and cook until candy thermometer reaches 240 degrees.

4.  Put the gelatin mixture and vanilla bean paste into the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment.

5.  Slowly pour the sugar mixture into the mixer while on low speed.

6.  Whip on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes.  It will have gained volume and turned bright white.

7.  This is the most important thing to remember, dust the bottom of a 9x13 pan with powdered sugar.  Be very generous with the sugar, or you will never get the marshmallows out of the pan.  Pour the marshmallow out and smooth.

8.  Let the pan sit out, uncovered overnight.

9.  The next day, cut out using a sharp knife or cookie cutter.  Dip the knife or cookie cutter into powered sugar so that you can get them out.  Dust the marshmallows again, so they  don't stick together.

10.  ENJOY

P.S.  I'd like to thank my Grandpa for the lovely dishes featured in this blog