Homemade Marshmallows

I originally found this recipe for Peppermint Marshmallows on Pinterest and followed it back to The BeanTown Baker's blog.  I've also adapted the recipe to make maple flavour marshmallows.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup ice cold water, divided
• 3 packets gelatin
• 1 cup white corn syrup
• 1 1/2 cups sugar (substitute 1 cup pure maple syrup for the maple ones)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp peppermint extract (omit for maple ones)
• powdered sugar and cornstarch in equal portions
• food colouring (optional)

Steps:

• Add 1/2 cup cold water to mixing bowl of stand mixer and sprinkle gelatin on top, set aside

• Bring to simmer remaining water, sugar(or maple syrup), corn syrup and salt in a small saucepan
• Once simmering, cover with lid and cook for 4-5 minutes
• Remove lid and continue to heat until mixture reaches 240° or hard ball stage, remove from heat

• Turn stand mixer on to low and mix gelatin for 1 minute
• Slowly pour hot sugar mixture down side of bowl while mixing
• Once all the sugar mixture has been added, increas speed to high
• Allow to mix for approx. 15 minutes, till it cools and almost triples in volume
• While mixing, prepare 9x13 pan - lightly oil the pan and dust with powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture
• When ready, pour mixture into prepared pan, smooth top with oiled offset spatula
• Dust top of marshmallows with powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture
• Leave to dry for a minimun of 4 hours, or preferably overnight
• Turn out onto dusted cutting board
• Cut into 1 inch squares (a pizza wheel works best)
• Toss each square into the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture to coat sticky sides, brushing off any excess

Store in airtight container for up to 3 weeks