Marshmallows
The story behind the sweet treat
About Marshmallows
Marshmallows have been around since the 1800s and since then they have been considered a candy. The name came from the sap from the root of a marshmallow plant. In the dictionary, the definition of a marshmallow is: a pink-flowered European perennial herb ( Althaea officinalis) of he mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.Ss and has a mucilaginous root sometimes used in confectionery and in medicine; 2: a confection made from the foot of the marshmallow or from corn syrup, sugar, albumen and gelatin beaten to a light spongy consistency. For those who don't know what "mucilaginous" means, it's "jelly-like"
How are they made?
They used to use mucilaginous root but eventually they started using gelatin. But what else in the delicious treat?
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 1/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
What's the steps to making Marshmallows?
- Sift the cornstarch and confectioners sugar into a bowl. Grease an 8x8 inch square baking pan lightly and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and sugar mixture into it. Tilt the pan to cover the sides and bottom, if there is excess in the pan, leave it in.
- Sprinkle the gelatin into a small sauce pan filled with water and let it soak for five minutes. Then add in the granulated sugar and stir over low heat until the gelatin and sugar dissolve.
- With an electric mixer and a large bowl combine the gelatin mixture, corn syrup, salt and vanilla and beat for approximately 15 minutes on high speed, until peaks form.
- Spread the fluffy mixture in the pan and smooth the top. Leave for two hours.
- With a wet knife, cut the marshmallow mixture into quarters and loosen around the edges.
Colored and shaped Marshmallows
Some may add these to their sweet candy's they make.
Mini Marshmallows
Lot's of people put these in their Hot Chocolate.
Big Marshmallows
Usually good for Smores.