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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Making Marshmallows ~ A Sweet Treat


I used to think that projects such as making marshmallows was rocket science. How wrong I was. They are so simple to make and only require a few ingredients, the oddball item being "gelatin". Here is how I learned to make them based on Carla Emory's recipe in the Encyclopedia of Country Living. She makes everything sound easy! The results, however, resemble a gourmet food item that anyone would be proud of. Though they are not exactly like the store bought marshmallows, they do have their own creamy charm and go just as well with hot chocolate.

Ingredients:
  • 1 tbsp. gelatin (We use beef or vegetable versions.)
  •  1/4 c. cold water
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. hot water
  • dash of salt (We use sea salt.)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/8 c. powdered sugar
  • 1/8 c. cornstarch
Special Supplies:
  • A candy thermometer is handy though not necessary. In this recipe, you want to achieve a soft ball stage which can also be tested with this method.

Dissolve 1 tbsp. of gelatin into 1/4 cup of cold water. Break up any clumps and set aside.


Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of hot water in a small sauce pan. Boil to the "soft ball stage" which can be tested with this method.


Or, place your candy thermometer inside and wait until it reaches approx. 235-245 degrees (f).


Remove sauce pan from heat and add the gelatin/water concoction, a dash of salt and 1 tsp. of vanilla to your syrup. Stir.


Beat your mixture until it becomes stiff which takes about 10-12 minutes. You must use an electric mixer for this.


Don't worry, as it whips it will become white! When it resembles a stiff, marshmallow cream, then it is ready.


Spread into a greased, small square pan and refrigerate overnight.


The next day, cut your chilled marshmallow mixture into desired shapes. I chose basic squares.


Roll each marshmallow in a mixture of 1/8 c. powdered sugar and 1/8 c. cornstarch. Make sure to cover all sides. This prevents them from sticking to everything. When you pull them out of the pan, you will understand :)


You will also want to tap off any excess powders when you are through. It begins to resemble a snowy day on your countertop.


Important Notes:

Due to the nature of the recipe, do not prepare on wet, rainy days.

You must store handmade marshmallows in a plastic bag or plastic wrap to prevent them from becoming hard. If they won't be eaten soon, I recommend storing them in the freezer.

You may also double the recipe and place finished mixture inside a greased, 9 by 13 inch pan.


These also make a sweet hostess gift when you apply some pretty paper decorations.


Print out our free printable onto white card-stock, cut along the bottom of the red striped line (scalloped scissors are fun to use). Fold in half over bag where the stripe starts. Place staple inside the black frames on each side of your clip art to secure your label. One recipe fills one quart sized bag. If you want to make smaller bags, then resize the clip art above to fit your needs.


You can even attach a gift tag (above) by hole punching the corner of each and tying together with a decorative ribbon.  Both are included on our printable. 


All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making MondaysModest Mom Monday'sMonday's MusingsMake Your Home Sing MondayGood Morning Mondays,  The ScoopTitus 2 TuesdaysTuesdays with a TwistRaising HomemakersThe Homesteader HopWise Woman Link UpHomestead Blog Hop Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and ConversationHomemaking ThursdaysHome Sweet HomeOur Simple HomesteadAwesome Life Friday Link UpFive Star Frou Frou Friday, and Shabbilicious Friday. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).

30 comments:

  1. Jes, I had no idea you can make marshmallows. I also like the bag. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I always learn something new when I come here. I was unaware that one could actually make their own marshmallows. Actually, I like the looks of your unique square marshmallows better. :)

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    1. Thanks! I do like the chunky look of them too :)

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    2. they would fit better on graham crackers for s'mores, too ;)

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    3. Good point and a very tasty one indeed :)

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  3. Wow! No corn syrup! My recipe calls for corn syrup. I still have to make some for Christmas, maybe I'll try this version. My favorite shape is the square and tiny hearts! I bought a small Christmas tree cookie cutter and I'm hoping they are just as cute. I love the gift tags you made! Adorable!!

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    1. This is a pretty basic recipe. I will have to check out yours. Perhaps yours has a more store bought taste?

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  4. These are so fun and would be a fun family project! I would love if you could share this over at my blog hop http://www.ablossominglife.com/2012/12/frugal-crafty-home-3.html

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    1. Thank you! Will have to take a visit over :)

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  5. Your marshmallows are beautiful! My children would love doing this with me.

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    1. They would love to roll them in the "snow" (powdered sugar/cornstarch) I am sure :)

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  6. Dear Jes, I wanted to stop by and wish you and your family a blessed Christmas that is filled with His joy and Peace!! Love and hugs!!

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    1. Thank you! :) and may your family be filled with His joy and peace too!

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  7. Oh how neat! I would have to find vegetable gelatin but I have a feeling my kids would love trying this! Might have to try next time my girls are home! <3

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  8. Shared this one with our FB readers at homesteadlady.com, too!

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  9. Wonderful post! I don't keep corn syrup so this is doable for me. Looking forward to making these with my granddaughters.

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  10. This is great. My kids like marshmallows, I don't.... especially w/ all of the bad stuff in them.... so this is very interesting to me. We use gelatin on a daily basis, so we already have that.... now I just need the time and energy to make these! Thank you for sharing this. :)

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    1. Yes, the time and energy needs to be considered for us mamas :) This project isn't that hard but there is a few dishes to wash after...

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  11. Very interesting. Our daughter-in-law makes her own marshmallows, but I didn't realize just how easy these really are to make. Thank you so much for sharing this, Jes!

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    1. Thanks for visiting! :) It is a fun project to do with children and (who I am trying to kid) I still love marshmallows myself in hot chocolate!

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  12. Oh JES, this is fabulous! I must make this soon - my husband and son love marshmallows so this is a treat they would enjoy :)

    I'm so glad you shared this, my friend :) Hugs to you!

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    1. I am sure your son would love to make them with you! If you dip a sharp metal cookie cutter in powdered sugar, you could probably make fun shapes :)

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  13. This looks like a recipe my youngest son and I would enjoy making together :)

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  14. I found this recipe from your link at Our Simple Homestead Blog Hop. I had never thought about making my own even though we love them in hot chocolate and on smores. Then earlier today I saw a recipe that uses corn syrup and I didn't like the thought of that. Now tonight I find your recipe which sounds much more appetizing. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You are most welcome! Have a lovely week! :)

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  15. These are now a part of our Christmas tradition! We make them the night before Christmas Eve. We have them with hot chocolate on Christmas Eve night while watching a Christmas movie ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥. Thanks for sharing!!

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    1. That sounds absolutely delightful! Thank you for sharing ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

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