vanilla marshmallows: i just thought you should know; I like you

I like doing things for other people. There's something satisfying about making a self-less gesture towards someone else. Even someone you might not really know that well, like a person you may have just met not too long ago and decided that it would be nice to offer something home-made for their birthday. Or give a gift to an old friend even though it's not their birthday. I know I would be appreciative if I received something without requiring to give something in return. It just lets the person know that you care about them.

 

I think it's important to do those kind of things once in a while because it can make friendships stronger and carve a deeper bond. It doesn't even have to be something expensive, just something meaningful. I really think those are the best kind of gifts. And when they come wrapped nicely it's even better. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love a well-wrapped gift. I guess there's a reason why some of my friends from school call me Martha...

I just can't help it! Anything pretty (like this fabric I found in my parents' basement) puts a big smile on my face. And if that's all that it takes, then I guess I'm a pretty happy person. Let's hope that keeps up. For now, I'm going to stuff my face with these homemade marshmallows that I made for a coworker's birthday. They are fluffy cloud-like pieces of sugary goodness. They just melt in your mouth and are quite simple to make. It's essentially just a meringue with gelatine. The amount of icing sugar and cornstarch you need could vary. I think half a cup or a bit more of each is good. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

It doesn't take much to satisfy this girl.

This post is linked up at Something Swanky {DIY}: Sweet Treats Thursday

This Chick Cooks 

and Sweet as Sugar Cookies: Sweets for a Saturday 

 

Marshmallows

Yields about 60 fat marshmallows (depends on what size you cut them)

 

Ingredients

1/2 cup (or more) icing sugar

1/2 cup (or more) cornstarch 

4 tbsp gelatine powder

200 ml cold water

1 tbsp vanilla extract

2 egg whites (60 g)

150 ml water

1 tbsp corn syrup

2 cups sugar

Procedure

Sift together the icing sugar and cornstarch. Lightly grease a 9 x 13" baking pan and sprinkle about half the icing sugar mixture on the bottom. Alternatively, you could make them in a larger rimmed baking sheet to get smaller pieces. Set aside. Sprinkle the gelatine over the first water (200ml) and let soak about 5 minutes.

Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer. Combine the second water (150 ml), corn syrup and sugar in a sauce pan and cook until a candy thermometer reads 121 C. Once the sugar syrup is at around 113-114 C, start whisking the whites on medium-high speed until opaque and medium peaks (do not overbeat). Melt the gelatine over a bain-marie (water bath) and add vanilla. When the syrup is ready, pour it into the whites while beating. (At this point you should reduce the speed to low just before adding the syrup otherwise it will end up all on the sides of the bowl). Make sure to pour in a slow, steady stream between the side of the bowl and the whisk. Add the melted gelatine. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth top. Dust with more icing sugar/cornstarch and let sit at room temperature a few hours. Cut into squares, rectangles or whatever shape you wish and toss pieces in more icing sugar mixture. 

Next step: hot chocolate :)