Vanilla Marshmallows

Marshmallows are so easy to make. They can be flavored with just about anything too. These are vanilla marshmallows, flavored using whole vanilla beans.

Made from scratch, marshmallows are fluffier and more flavorful than anything commercially produced. And best of all, they toast incredibly well. Instead of becoming black and charred, the sugars in the marshmallows caramelize and create a crisp, créme brulée-like texture. Of course, the inside becomes warm and gooey. Here’s a simple recipe for marshmallows:

Marshmallows:

• 3/4 oz. gelatin
• 1/2 c (115 g) cold water
• 2 c. (415 g) sugar
• 2/3 c. (150 g) corn syrup
• 1/4 c. (57 g) water
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Flavoring, as desired
• Powdered sugar, as needed for dusting

Begin by blooming the gelatin with the 1/2 c. cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer. While the gelatin blooms, combine the sugar, corn syrup, remaining water, salt, and flavoring in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture to dissolve the sugar and bring to a boil. Add to the bloomed gelatin and whip on high speed for 10-12 minutes. The mixture should turn from a clear, viscous liquid to a thick, white, fluffy mixture.

Transfer the still liquid marshmallow to a plastic wrap-lined and greased container. Spread into an even layer using a greased offset spatula. Allow to set at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar then unmold the marshmallow slab onto the cutting board. Dust the slab with powdered sugar and use either a greased or heated knife to cut into square marshmallows. Dust the marshmallows with powdered sugar and store in an airtight container.

The possibilities with marshmallows are endless. How about chocolate marshmallows or mint marshmallows? Want more bizarre flavors? How about sumac, basil, or celery marshmallows?

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