Peppermint marshmallows are the answer! I've never been a big fan of marshmallows (or peeps) but when I came across this recipe several years ago I thought it might make a great holiday gifting idea so I gave it a try. It was a hit with my family, my gift recipients and yes, me too! Once you taste fresh marshmallows it will be hard to buy them again!
They're fun to make and the kids will enjoy helping!
They would also make fun Valentines Day treats if you use a heart cookie cutter!
They would also make fun Valentines Day treats if you use a heart cookie cutter!
You need:
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons Knox unflavored gelatin
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup (about 7) candy canes
1/8 teaspoon salt
Tools
Tools
13x9x2" pan
Foil (preferably nonstick)
Nonstick spray
Food processor or blender with ice crushing setting
Mesh Strainer
measuring spoons and cups
Mixer
*put 2/3 cup of water into the bowl in which you will be mixing ingredients
*sprinkle gelatin on top to soften
*Line the baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
*Sift the cornstarch and confectioners sugar together into a small bowl
*Dust the pan with about 1/4 cup of the cornstarch sugar mix making sure it is completely covered and tilt to get the sides
*Peel plastic off of candy canes( I find it works best to break at the crook and peel) and put pieces into food processor or blender. Cover top with a damp dish towel as it gets dusty! Process or blend on ice crushing. Let settle before you take off lid.
*Put granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt and candy cane powder in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until melted...about 10 minutes.
*Strain to get any lumps or unmelted candy into mixing bowl with gelatin.
*Beat mixture on high speed (I find it best to work up to high and if you have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer, absolutely put the shield on!! This is STICKY if it splatters!). This takes about 10-15 minutes. It will get very fluffy and turn a pretty light pink!
*Spread the mixture into your pan and smooth the top (the OXO Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper is perfect for this!)
*Dust the top with a few tablespoons of the corn starch confectioners sugar mixture.
*Cover with waxed paper and let sit at room temperature for several hours until firm.
*Cover with waxed paper and let sit at room temperature for several hours until firm.
*When firm, lift foil with marshmallows out of pan onto a flat surface.
*With the OXO blade (no need to wet this!) or a wet knife, cut into 6 blocks.
*Cut each of those blocks into 9 pieces
*Toss the squares into the corn starch sugar mixture completely covering sides
*Let rest one additional hour
Serve with hot chocolate!
