Marshmallows!

Did you know you can make marshmallows at home?! I thought those things were on the periodic table or something!

Well, I found a good recipe and decided to try it, since I was craving some rice crispy treats... but we didn't have any rice crispies either, so I used popcorn instead :)

For the marshmallows-

Ingredients: 3 T. of unflavored Gelatin

1 c. chilled filtered water

1.5 c. organic cane sugar

1 c. agave nectar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. real vanilla extract

1/4 c. powder sugar

1/4 c. corn starch

Chill your metal mixing bowl and whisk attachment(s).

Place chilled bowl on base of stand mixer and attach whisk.

Start by putting gelatin into bowl.

Add 1/2 c. chilled water

In medium saucepan combine remaining water, cane sugar, agave nectar and salt. Cover and cook for about 3 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until mixture reaches about 235-240 degrees F (soft ball stage). Once temperature is reached remove from heat.

Now, turn your stand mixer on low. Slowly add hot mixture to gelatin. When all syrup is added, put mixer on high. Continue to whip until mixture becomes thick and temp cools. Add the vanilla and whip for about a minute longer.

This mixture will whip for 10-15 minutes. So, prepare your pans while it is mixing.

Spray a 13 x 9 inch rectangular pan with non-stick cooking spray. Combine powder sugar and corn starch (I used arrworroot flour) in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture in pan, cover pan and shake to fully coat.

Now you can add the mixture to the pan. It is difficult to spread. Use a rubber spatula coated with non stick spray. Once spread out in the pan, sprinkle the top with more of the sugar/cornstarch mixture, cover w/ foil and allow to set up over night. Cut into 1 inch pieces and store in zip top bag at room temp.

If you're making popcorn or rice crispy treats, add about 1 T of oil or melted butter to the marshmallow after it is done mixing (since you need melted marshmallow, you don't need to wait for it to harden) . You only need a scant third of the marshmallow from the above recipe for 1/2 cup (un-popped) popcorn. Mix the marshmallow and oil, then add the popcorn and combine well. Press into a greased pan and let cool.