Pretty Peppermint Marshmallows

Homemade marshmallows taste so different than store-bought marshmallows you're used to.  The homemade version is soft and creamy and has a very fresh taste to it, nothing like the borderline stale rubbery marshmallows that come in plastic bags.  And while they seem intimidating to make, if you have a stand mixer they're really no work at all!

To make these extra festive, I added some peppermint extract and a little red food coloring.  I can't wait to float a few of these in a mug of hot cocoa!

Peppermint Marshmallows
makes a 9x9 pan
3 (.25 oz each) envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp coarse salt
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
red gel food coloring

Prepare a 9x9 pan by lining with a piece of plastic wrap and spraying with cooking spray.
Pour the 1/2 cup cold water and 3 packets of gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer and let sit for 10 minutes. Add sugar, corn syrup and 1/4 cup water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.  Let boil rapidly for 1 minute, then turn on stand mixer to high and pour down the side of the mixer bowl into the gelatin.  Add salt and beat on high for 12 minutes.  Add peppermint extract and mix well.  At this point you can add the red food color and mix until marbled or fully incorporated.  Coat a spatula or your hands with cooking spray and pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and even out.  Cover the pan with another piece of plastic wrap coated with spray.  Let sit 2 hours, then cut into desired shapes, then roll in powdered sugar.  Store in an airtight container.

Recipe from Martha Stewart