Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows..........

This year we decided to make homemade hot cocoa mix and homemade marshmallows to give as gifts to our family and friends.  These marshmallows were rolled in peppermint dust (3 packages of candy canes to 1 cup of sugar in a food processor).

The hot cocoa mix is our own concoction... a best kept secret.  But here's our recipe for our marshmallows!

Homemade Marshmallows

3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup water
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2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp clear vanilla extract

In bowl of Kitchenaid Mixer, sprinkle gelatin over water to dissolve.  Let sit.

Line a 13x9 inch pan with foil.  Spray with Pam.  Set aside.

In large, heavy saucepan, compine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Cook without stirring again, until a candy thermometer reaches 240 degrees.  Remove from heat immediately and gradually add to gelatin with mixer on low speed.

Beat on high speed until mixture is thick and volume is doubled, about 15 minutes.  Beat in vanilla (or other desired extract).  Pour into prepared pan quickly.  Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. 

Using foil, lift marshmallow out of pan.  Using large smooth knife coated with Pam, cut into 1-inch squares.  Dip marshmallows into toppings as desired.  Store in airtight container in cool, dry place.

You may use any extract flavor you wish, keep in mind some are much stronger than others (such as almond and mint).  You may also roll them in nuts, candy sprinkles, cocoa, or even dip them in ganache or caramel if you wish and then roll them in an assortment of yummy treats!  A favorite of ours is to skewer them with fruit in the summer  - we add a bit of banana extract, drizzle them with homemade caramel, then roll them in toasted coconut before  adding them to the fruit skewers!