Marshmallows are one of those things I didn't know people made from scratch until I became an adult.  Mind blowing for some of you, I know, right? For others: maybe you're thinking people make marshmallows?

For the latter I am with you.Marshmallows  always come out of a bag right?

As a kid we could get miniature or regular size, never mind Jumbo.  This was non-existent.  They were also a very specific item that seemed to only be purchased in our house for a few things.

• Rice crispy treats
• Hot Chocolate
• S'mores
• Fruit Salad

  That was it. The extent of the marshmallow world.

We never bought the marshmallow fluff I have no idea why.  Less healthy, maybe? 🤣

Rice Krispy box always said to buy a bag of marshmallows on the back never the fluff?  I am not sure.  But one thing was certain we always bought the regular size.  Mini marshmallow were strictly for fruit salad😜 

What did you use marshmallows for as a kid?

So back to this concept of making your own marshmallows.  I started thinking about it a few summers ago when I was getting into fancy s'mores  I had made salted caramel peach s'mores for a picnic and thought why don't I make the marshmallows too?  I made the caramel and cut up the peaches but not having much time I put it on the back burner.

Next time I thought about it a friend was visiting and we thought it would be fun to do together.  They were a bit of a flop.

 Lessons were learned however and I decided to try again because I couldn't believe people were selling them at the store for $6 for 4 marshmallows?  

 I passed on the $6 marshmallows and started my google searching for marshmallow recipes.  Turns out Ina Garten had a simple no fuss and with a handy video on how to make them.  My first batch were great.

 So then back to the drawing board.  I didn't want to do the all corn syrup thing so decided to go in with what is going around these days as being the healthier sweetener. Agave Syrup.  I was a little afraid they would taste weird so I did do half and half and they were good.

 Really good.

 As in marshmallow heaven good.

 Fluffy and large and you want to just eat it straight up.

 Not like the marshmallows in the plastic bags.  I was in the know as to why people made their own now.

 So one more addition needed to be made.  I wanted flavor something fun and great not overwhelming but that would make them memorable.

 I love peppermint patties so I decided to go with peppermint.  I bought peppermint oil at the store the kind that smells amazing and makes you want to lick the little bottle.  

Turns out peppermint marshmallows are kind of amazing especially in Hot chocolate!

 Next up dreams of peppermint marshmallow  s'mores!  

 Keep coming back because summer is around the corner and you never know how dreams may come true?

Ingredients

• 3 packages of unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup  water
• 1  1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup agave syrup
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon peppermint oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Dusting confectioners sugar aka powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water into the electric mixer bowl fitted with a whisk and let sit.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine sugar, 1/2 cup water, corn syrup,agave syrup, and salt and cook until sugar dissolves.  Next raise the heat and cook until temperature reaches 240 degrees F. with a candy thermometer or high heat for cooking thermometer such as a Thermapen. (My favorite thermometer) Remove from heat. Pour into a heat proof pouring measuring cup.

Step 3

With the mixer on LOW slowly pour the sugar syrup to the gelatin mix. Once mixed in and no splashing of hot liquid will happen increase mixer to high speed for about 15 minutes until looks like marshmallow fluff, nice and thick.  Stop speed and add peppermint and vanilla. Mix again for about one minute.

Step 4

While mixer is going dust with powdered sugar using a sieve an 8x12 inch non-metal pan. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan and smooth the top using a flat spatula or cake spatula. If you want it green on top add a few drops of green color all around and with spatula or butter knife stir in streaks to look like marbling. Cover lightly with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Step 5

Leave uncovered overnight to set and dry out. The next day turn the marshmallows onto a cutting board and slice into squares using a sharp knife.

Tips

• Marshmallows freeze great!  You can freeze individually on a sheet pan laid out for about 20-30 minutes then place in a ziploc bag all together.
• If you want the color green throughout add to the mixture the food color.
• Make ahead and have these ready for any time you need marshmallows.  
• Making your own ice cream? Add  toasted peppermint marshmallows and chocolate chunks for that raging sweet flavor!

Hope all your marshmallow dreams come true!