Sunday, May 11, 2008

Marshmallows

2/3 c cold water (divided)
2 envelopes (2 tbsp) unflavored gelatin
1 1/3 granulated sugar or rapadura
1/2 cane syrup or brown rice syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
vegetable oil for the pan

If making marshmallows, line a 9x13 pan with foil and brush with oil

Place 1/3 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Put the sugar, syrup, salt and remaining 1/3 cup water in a heavy saucepan with a tight fitting lid, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Cover the pan and place on moderately low heat. Remove the cover after 4 to 5 minutes. The steam will have caused any sugar crystals to dissolve and the syrup will be bubbling lightly. Increase the heat to high, insert a candy thermometer and boil the syrup without stirring until it reaches 240 degrees F. Immediately remove from the heat.
Fit a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Slowly and carefully pour the syrup into the gelatin while the mixer is beating constantly at medium speed. When all of the syrup has been added increase the speed to high and whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture should be lukewarm, white and creamy. Add the vanilla at the end of mixing. At this point you have marshmallow creme. Good for using in all those classic marshmallow creme recipes.
If you want marshmallows, pour into the prepared pan, sprinkle with sugar, and let set out until dry to the touch. Cut to desired shape/size and toss with more sugar. I toss with tapioca starch instead of sugar.

I plan to experiment with this recipe when I get a chance. I haven't used it since my son developed a sensitivity to cane. My plan to to make it out of rice/agave or something else. We'll see what I come up with and I'll update later.

No comments: