Are you all ready for some junk food yet?   I know everyone is still doing well on their New Year’s diets, so don’t worry, I’ll break you in slowly.  I used evaporated cane juice to make these, so they’re . . . you know, healthy.

When I first tried making homemade marshmallows, I felt so cool.  It was as though I had created some sort of scientific miracle in my own kitchen.  Even though I had only a small hand mixer at the time, they worked beautifully.

I know it seems everyone is making them these days, but if you haven’t tried yet, I definitely recommend it.  Your kids will think you are magic.

homemade marshmallows

2 cups (385g) evaporated cane juice (organic sugar) or granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (350g) water
1 tablespoon honey
4 packets (28g total) unflavored gelatin
2 egg whites at room temperature*
1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract

1.  In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 3/4 cups of water, and honey.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat and boil until the sugar mixture reaches 230 degrees (the soft ball stage).

2.  While the sugar and water come to a boil, sprinkle the gelatin over the remaining 3/4 cup of water in a small bowl, and let rest.  Put the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer, and beat on high until stiff peaks form.
3.  When the sugar mixture comes to temperature, remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin mixture.  With the mixer on medium-low, slowly pour in the sugar and gelatin mixture, and add in vanilla.  Slowly raise the speed to high, and beat for 10 minutes.

4.  Meanwhile, prepare a 13×9 inch pan (or slightly smaller), with non-stick cooking spray.  When the marshmallow has whipped for 10 minutes, pour into the prepared pan.  Working quickly, use wet hands to press the marshmallow into the pan.  Use a wet spatula to smooth the lumps.  Let sit on the counter, uncovered, for 4 hours, or overnight.

5.  Spray a smooth work surface with non-stick cooking spray.  Remove the marshmallow and place on the sprayed surface.  Using a large knife dipped in water, cut the marshmallow into squares, dipping the knife in water as needed.  (You can also use cookie cutters.) Toss the marshmallows in powdered sugar.

*Place cold eggs in a bowl of warm water for about a minute to get them to room temperature

10 Responses to “homemade marshmallows”

1. Emily says:

   9 January 2009 at 8:53 pm

   Oh my. You are completely on to what my youngest loves! (First the meringues and now marshmallows!)
2. Janet says:

   9 January 2009 at 9:08 pm

   I must try these… Tomorrow…. with a salad to balance it out.
3. Marne says:

   9 January 2009 at 10:00 pm

   Wow! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I will try it.
4. Laura says:

   9 January 2009 at 10:09 pm

   I remember I made marshmallows in home ec in junior high. You’re right, you feel like magic. Although I don’t remember how I did it. I remember making egg shaped ones and pouring it into flour molds…that was a long time ago.
5. Brooke says:

   10 January 2009 at 12:35 pm

   Seriously. You would think you and I had some bizarre universal connection. I think it. You make it.

   I silently conjure up the idea for homemade gelatin in my mind, then magically you’ve got it all sparkling and divine ready-made. And now…homemade marshmallows. WhooDog. I can’t wait until you make what I’ve been thinking up next…

   

   You’re amazing!
6. Jen T says:

   10 January 2009 at 8:06 pm

   I have always wanted to do this but never have, so now I have no excuse. My kids will love it! Thanks!
7. Lori says:

   11 January 2009 at 11:35 am

   Did you know?? Marshmallows came from the Marsh Mallow – looks like a holly hock. You can boil the roots and it makes a sticky substance that the “old-time Mom’s” would give their children when they had sore throats. You had to be careful because it could cause throat constrictions that would kill you…but the kids loved them because Mommy would add sugar to get them to eat it….so take out the roots and thus the marshmallow.
   Or so I learned in a horticulture class. Glad the Bachelors comes in handy sometimes!
8. Julie says:

   12 January 2009 at 11:03 pm

   Can you roast these and make them into s’mores?
9. Connie (the write one) says:

   13 January 2009 at 9:22 am

   I felt like the queen of the world when I made marshmallows the first time. It’s one of those memories I hide away in a pretty little box and pull out when I’m feeling down. You know, “Look what I did! I must be cool!” My nephew did, indeed, think that I’m magic, and still holds me in awe a bit, even though he’s now 17 and should know better.
   Mine were pink and peppermint flavored. I considered using aspic cutters to make pretty shapes, but considering the amount of candy and other goodies churned out of the kitchen that week, it didn’t happen. Plus, I don’t have aspic cutters, so I would have had to go buy some.
10. how to cook with oven | How to cook with mircrowave oven says:

    22 January 2009 at 9:19 pm

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