Homemade Smore's

We made homemade graham crackers awhile ago and loved them. So we knew we had to try homemade marshmallows too! We thought it would be fun to give out homemade Smore's for a special holiday treat!

I assumed the marshmallows would be challenging, but I promise, they are so easy and fun to make! You do need a candy thermometer and a Kitchenaid mixer. You have to mix the marshmallows for about 15 minutes. Our mixer got a great workout! I felt bad for her, but she did a wonderful job!!

The marshmallows really fluff up! Once you are done mixing, you spread the gooey marshmallows in a pan and let them sit out over night. See, not hard at all. You sleep while the marshmallows do the work:)

In the morning, we dusted them with powdered sugar and cut them into little squares. One bite and I was sold. Homemade marshmallows are the BEST!!

Now onto the graham crackers. We made them in the shape of Christmas trees and dipped them in chocolate! We put a couple crackers and mallows in a festive bag for our friends!

The homemade Smore's turned out really cute! If you haven't decided on what goodies you are baking this year, add these to the list! They were a huge hit!

Homemade Marshmallows

Adapted from Alton Brown

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray

Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.