How-To: Marshmallow Favors

Marshmallows are a yummy favor idea for your guests. They’re affordable and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe for homemade marshmallows comes from Raven of Cheeky Stitch blog and shop. (Each batch yields about 40 marshmallows, and she encourages experimenting with food coloring and flavors like almond, orange and chocolate too.)

Materials
1/2 cup cold water
Electric mixer
3 envelopes of Knox gelatin, unflavored
9 x9 in. pan
Plastic wrap
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cups light corn syrup
Saucepan
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cornstarch
Confectioner’s sugar
Scissors

Step 1: Put 1/2 cup of cold water in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, slowly pour in all three packs of gelatin. Set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Line a 9 x 9-inch pan with plastic wrap and lightly oil it. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine sugar, corn syrup and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a quick boil, then llet boil for about a minute only. (You don't want to burn the sugar!)

Step 4: Pour the boiling syrup into the soaked gelatin and turn the mixer on high speed. (Add flavoring and colorants at about 12 minutes.) Add the salt and beat for 15 minutes.

Step 5: You’re halfway there! Oil your spatula, then scrape marshmallow into the pan you prepared and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Let the mixture sit for a few hours to set.

Step 7: Sift equal parts cornstarch and confectioners' sugar. Coat the top of the marshmallow loaf with the mixture, then tilt to remove any excess. Remove the marshmallow from the pan, flip it, and then use the mixture on this side too.

Step 8: Use scissors to cut into equal parts then dredge marshmallows in sugar.

Packaging
Packaging: Raven uses clear 4x6 bags from Sophie’s Favors for her marshmallows. (You can find clear bags at your local craft store too.) She recommends putting two or three in a bag and tying it with a ribbon or colorful twist tie of your own. Viola!

See more of Raven’s creations on the Cheeky Stitch blog and shop.