Fluffy Homemade Marshmallows (Gluten-Free)

These special homemade fluffy marshmallows can be eaten as 

"candy" or served in hot chocolate. A small jar of marshmallows, 

along with a tin of instant hot chocolate, make a thoughtful 

(and appreciated) holiday gift.

Ingredients:

4 envelopes unflavored gelatin

3/4 cup water

3 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup flavored syrup, such as peppermint or salted caramel

1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

gel food coloring (optional)

powdered sugar

Method:

Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of paper hanging over the sides of the pan. Lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Place gelatin in a very large mixing bowl. Pour 3/4 cup water over to cover completely. Stir to combine.

In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, flavored syrup and salt over medium-high heat. Attach or place a candy thermometer in saucepan. Boil 2 minutes or longer, until thermometer registers 240* F.

With mixer set to medium speed, carefully pour sugar syrup down side of mixing bowl into gelatin mixture. Increase speed to high and mix 7 - 10 minutes, or until the marshmallow mixture is white and fluffy, and the bowl is cool to the touch. (about 122* F)

Using a rubber or silicone spatula, transfer marshmallow mixture to prepared pan. Spread evenly. Add drops of food coloring to top of mixture, about 2 inches apart. Using a table knife, swirl in coloring. Chill, uncovered, about 4 hours or overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator. Sift powdered sugar over marshmallow. Turn out onto wax paper lined cutting board. Remove all attached parchment paper. Sift more powdered sugar over bottom side where the parchment was. Using a sharp knife coated with additional powdered sugar (to prevent sticking), cut marshmallow into 1 inch squares. Coat individual squares in a small bowl of powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container for 2 - 4 weeks. Makes about 117 one inch marshmallows

Notes:

I prefer peppermint syrup and red food coloring, but pumpkin spice syrup and orange coloring also work well together.

Each 1 inch serving contains: 35 calories, 0g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 
9g carbohydrates, 0g fiber and 0g protein