Mellow Mallows

I love making marshmallows. They are simple,and fun, and fluffy! They are also incredibly sticky and frustrating at times. With a bit of practise ( and a reliable mixer ) they can be an excellent  unique homemade gift for friends or fun treat for yourself. Low fat equals healthy right? Marshmallows are definitely one of my favourite treats to make for friends. When you are a pastry chef, you are expected to bring sweets to alot of people. I never mind, For me food is love, and I am always more than happy to share.Only problem is butter cream and ganache can get expensive. Homemade marshmallows prove that things don't need to  be expensive to be good. I have tried alot of different flavourings for my fluffy delights. traditional vanilla bean is always a hit. I also enjoy ginger, green tea, mocha, cherry coke, lavender, chai, chocolate, or caramel. I think I have made about 50 flavors of marshmallows and i haven't  found one yet that isn't good. Correction, I do recall an ill fated attempt at peanut butter marshmallows. I still think the theory is good, but my execution was definitely lacking! lol!

here is a nice starter recipe for marsh mallow. it has egg whites, you can find ones which do not, but i find this recipe is easiest to begin with. 

*don't forget as with all recipes which include boiling sugar*

*RESPECT THE BOILING SUGAR*

18g (2 pkg) gelatin                           Bloom gelatin in 1/2 cup cool water
1/2 cup cold water
455g sugar (1/4 cup)                        Place 2 cups sugar, corn syrup, and second 1/2 cup of water in a pot                  
1 tbsp corn syrup                                 on medium heat, boil to 245
1/2 cup water
4 egg whites                                     Whip egg whites with 1/4 cup sugar to medium peaks

on a low speed stream the sugar syrup into the egg whites very slowly, and then just turn up the mixer speed and let it whisk. it will grow and fluff up as it cools. while you're waiting make a mixer of 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup icing sugar. this mixture should help keep your fresh treat from sticking. you can put a layer in a pan and then spread your marshmallows over it and let them set. or you can pipe your marshmallow onto the mixture, or get crazy and use toasted coconut, or crushed nuts.
My recipe may not be perfect, for more details check out my inspiration here, and
here.

don't be intimidated, marshmallows are a fun and simple treat to make at home that always impresses!