Homemade Halloween Marshmallows

Homemade Halloween Marshmallows

My first attempt at making homemade marshmallows a few years ago was a disaster!  But I was ready to make a new attempt.  After all, everyone needs a cute marshmallow to go in their hot cocoa on Halloween night!  Right?   You'll want to keep your eye out for the smallest cookie cutters you can find for cutting homemade marshmallows...(that way they fit in the mug better.) These marshmallows came out perfect and as my 11 year old said, "Mom these are amazing!  They are 10 times better than Jet-Puffed!"  So don't take my word for it!  You've got kid-tested proof...homemade marshmallows rule!       

4 envelopes unflavored gelatin

1 1/2 cups water, divided

3 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Oil a 9x13 inch baking dish with vegetable oil.  Line the dish with aluminum foil and oil foil with vegetable oil.  In the bowl of electric mixer, add gelatin and 3/4 cup water.  In small pot stir together sugar, corn syrup, 3/4 cup water and salt.  Bring to a boil and cook over high heat until the syrup reaches 234 to 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.  Using the whisk on the electric mixer at full speed, pour the hot syrup into gelatin mixture and whip for 15 minutes.  Pour out into prepared dish and smooth the top of marshmallow with an oiled spatula.  Let stand at room temperature for 10 hours uncovered.  Using a sieve sprinkle powdered sugar onto  countertop or cutting board.  Turn out marshmallows onto powdered sugar.  Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of marshmallow block and rub in with hands to prevent marshmallows from sticking.  Cut marshmallows with oiled cookie cutters and roll in powdered sugar.