The Curvy Allergista: Homemade Marshmallows (Corn syrup free)

No summer is complete without delicious campfire roasted marshmallows and warm toasty s'mores!

People are often surprised that marshmallows can be made from scratch, they seem like a magical ball of fluffy goodness, that only comes in a package from the store. Homemade marshmallows are surprisingly easy and more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts. Marshmallows don't have a lot of allergens, but they do contain the ever-dreaded CORN SYRUP! Homemade marshmallows can also be customized with different flavors, colors, and shapes, making them extra fun. This recipe doesn't toast quite as well as the store bought kind, and tends to melt a bit more quickly. You can still enjoy a tasty toasted marshmallow or s'more with them though, just watch carefully, and make sure they don't slide off your roasting stick.

So, whether you have a corn allergy, are trying to avoid highly processed foods, just want to find out what homemade marshmallows taste like, or want to impress your friends with your kitchen prowess (let's be honest, who doesn't want to wow their friends with homemade marshmallows? Think, tasty chocolate coated marshmallow pops... I'm drooling right now! No seriously, I just had to wipe drool off my keyboard...) here is a simple fun recipe:

*I am still trying to find a good vegetarian/vegan option, and will post if I find one!

Magical Marshmallows

Ingredients:
-3 tbsp gelatin (most gelatin packets contain 1 tbsp, so 3 packets)
-1/3 cup cold water
-3 cups sugar (I like to use organic cane sugar)
-1 1/2 cups water
-1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (feel free to experiment with other flavors- almond, strawberry, lemon_
-1/3 cup powdered sugar (if you have a corn allergy, make sure this is CORNSTARCH FREE, Wholesome brand is a good option)
-1/3 cup tapioca starch (if you don't have a corn allergy, you can use cornstarch instead)

OPTIONAL: Food coloring, flaked coconut

Directions:
-Prepare your gelatin by soaking it in 1/3 cup cold water in a small bowl (I usually just mix it in the liquid measuring cup). Just sprinkle the gelatin on the top of the water, and allow it to swell for 10 minutes.

-Dissolve the sugar in 1 1/2 cups water in a saucepan over low heat, stir frequently.
-Pour the prepared gelatin into the sugar solution, stirring to dissolve.
-Increase stove to medium-high heat, and bring to a boil.
-Boil steadily for 15 minutes (just a low boil, not rolling boil) don't stir. If you haven't worked with gelatin much, be prepared, it doesn't smell the best, but don't worry the final product will smell and taste fine
-Remove from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature. Your mixture will be a translucent tan color, don't worry, it will turn lovely white when it is whipped.
- Pour your cooled mixture into a bowl or a stand mixer (I have a kitchenaid stand mixer, and it makes life so much better!). Add your vanilla extract (or other flavor).
-Whip it, Whip it good! This is where the magic happens, and your thick liquid turns into fluffy deliciousness (that is totally a technical cooking term......). Beat the mixture until it is very thick, white and shiny, and about tripled in size. This takes a while, so I highly recommend using a stand mixer if you have one!! Mix in food coloring now if you want colored marshmallows
-Grease a 9x13 pan, you can also lay down a layer of cling wrap or waxed paper and then grease that for easier removal.
-Pour your fluffy, thick marshmallows into the baking pan, and allow to set. I live in the tropics, and the heat and humidity can make it take a long time to set, so I usually put it in the fridge.
-Once the mixture is set, and no longer super sticky to the touch, you can cut it into shapes. Squares are easy, but feel free to use cookie cutters if you want fun shapes.
-Mix together the Powdered Sugar and Tapicoa starch, and dust your marshmallows, this helps keep them from sticking together. I like to put the sugar/starch mixture in a plastic bag, add the marshmallows and shake it up. You can also add flaked coconut at this point if you want coconut coated marshmallows.
-Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
-ENJOY!!