Peppermint Marshmallows

I'm dreaming of a white... 

....fluffy peppermint marshmallow. ;) 

In my last post I mentioned I made these as favors for our small group Christmas and they did not disappoint! I subbed the peppermint extract for 1 drop peppermint essential oil and it was the perfect amount of fresh, mint flavor. These marshmallows are pretty simple to whip up and are a fun addition to any warm cup of cocoa/coffee/latte.

Peppermint Marshmallows

 1½ cups water, divided

 4 packets unflavored gelatin (each envelope is ¼ oz.)

 2 ½ cups granulated sugar

 1 ¼ cup light corn syrup

 1/8 teaspoon salt

 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 1 drop peppermint essential oil (or 1 tsp peppermint extract)

 Few drops of red food coloring 

 ½ cup powdered sugar

1) Grease a 9 x 13-inch jellyroll pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment and grease parchment.

2) In a stand-mixer bowl, add ¾ cup water. Sprinkle the gelatin on water and let sit for a few minutes to soften.

3) In a medium saucepan, combine the rest of the water, sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to boil over high heat. Once boiling, use a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees. Remove it from heat.

4) Using a mixer on low speed and using the whisk attachment, mix the gelatin mixture. With the mixer on, pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture. Pour down the side of the bowl to avoid splashes. Gradually increase the speed of the mixer to high and beat the mixture until stiff peaks form about 10-12 minutes. Add in vanilla and peppermint oil. Mix for an additional minute. The mixture should be cool, white and fluffy.

5) Pour the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula. Smooth the top with a clean spatula. Add a few drops of red food coloring and using a butter knife, swirl the coloring on top. Let cool and firm up at room temperature, uncovered, overnight.

6) When ready to cut up, sift the confectioner’s sugar onto a working space. Turn over the marshmallow onto the sugar. Using a greased sharp knife, cut the marshmallows into squares. Roll again in powdered sugar.

** Can store marshmallows in a container for up to 1 week

 

Add marshmallows to warm beverage and "voila" an instant upgrade to a "cup-of-cheer"!