My beautiful, talented friend Amelia had me over this week to teach me how to make homemade marshmallows.  They are so fun to make, and delicious!  The first thing I did when I got home was make a big mug of hot chocolate and toss in a few of these beauties.  This recipe uses honey, so you can even feel good about giving them to your kids!  Thanks for the food, fun and great recipe Amelia!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water, divided
• 3 Tbsp unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or other flavor)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Grease a 9×13 pan and line with parchment paper in both directions.  Leave some length to use as handles to easily remove finished marshmallows.
2. In mixer bowl, add the gelatin and 1/2 cup of water.  While gelatin is softening, pour the other 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan along with the honey, vanilla & salt.  Turn to med-hi heat, bringing the mixture to a boil.  Place a candy thermometer in the saucepan and continue to boil the mixture until it reaches 240 degrees (soft ball stage).  This will take approx 7-8 minutes.  Immediately remove saucepan from heat.
3. Turn mixer to low speed.  Slowly pour the honey mixture into the bowl combining it with the softened gelatin.  Turn the mixer to high and continue beating the mixture until it becomes thick like marshmallow creme, about 10 minutes.
4. Turn the mixer off and transfer the marshmallow creme to the prepared pan.  If using a coating, add it to the bottom of the pan BEFORE transferring the marshmallow creme.  Smooth the top and add more of your coating, if using.  Pat to smooth again.
5. If you are not using a coating, lightly grease your hands with oil (to prevent sticking) and pat smooth.  This will keep it from sticking to your fingers.  Or press it down with parchment paper, leaving it on the marshmallow mixture until it is set.
6. When set, remove the marshmallows by lifting the parchment paper flaps.  Cut to desired size and enjoy!

Coating options:

• crushed nuts
• coconut
• almond flour mixed with spices
• cocoa
• crushed toffee

Spices, cocoa or different flavor extracts can be added to your boiled mixture.  Lots of fun ways to experiment!!

*If marshmallows are very sticky, toss them in powdered sugar.