Are you looking for a snow day activity?
My dear friend Danielle shared this recipe with me years ago. And it’s now part of our New Year’s gifts.
My husband and I create gift bags for the neighbors including hot cocoa, taco seasoning, homemade vanilla extract, brownie mix, and sugar bath scrub.
But everyone notices if their hot cocoa does not include Homemade Marshmallows.
Yes…you can make homemade marshmallows and it’s kinda fun.
I customize each gift bag to the recipient and don’t always make everything. That defeats the purpose of a simple, homemade gift.
Just think of the list as options to consider. You can google recipes for all of them. But first the cocoa, it’s easy.
Hot Cocoa
Just 4 ingredients, mix in a bowl, done!
- 2 C Dry Milk
- 2/3 C Sugar
- 2/3 C Cocoa
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
Fill any sized Mason Jar or container of your choice with cocoa. You can make as many or as few gifts as you’d like by portioning the mix.
Print this cute tag and attach it to a small gift bag.
Homemade Marshmallows
These Homemade Marshmallows are delicious and pretty easy to make. Note the recipe must set for a minimum of 6-8 Hours.
Stand Mixing Bowl (Unfortunately, this recipe requires a stand mixer. So, if you don’t have one, ask a neighbor to use theirs and treat them to some delicious marshmallows. Mixers are heavy, you’ll want to cook in their kitchen too. For me, that’s a great opportunity to connect with friends. It was a key part of my journey to becoming a better cook.)
- 3 Packets of Knox Gelatin
- 1/2 C Water
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1/8 tsp Salt
Medium Sauce Pan
- 1 C Karo Syrup
- 1/2 C Water
- 2 1/4C Sugar
Directions:
Set up your Prepared Pan*
- Rectangular casserole dish or cake pan lined with wax paper.
- Spray wax paper with cooking spray.
In the mixing bowl, combine gelatin, 1/2 C water, vanilla, and salt. Set aside.
In the medium saucepan, mix Karo, 1/2 C Water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Using a candy thermometer, bring to a heat of 240 degrees F. This is when the mix reaches a softball stage. The liquid will bubble up and then settle down and be very clear.
Pour hot liquid into the stand mixer bowl with other ingredients.
Mix on low-medium speed. Let this run as long as it takes.
Seriously, walk away from it.
The mixture will start to turn white and shiny. Increase the speed of the mixer until the contents are slowing down the paddle.
Pour marshmallows into Prepared Pan*
Use a rubber spatula, to transfer marshmallows. Spray the spatula with a little cooking spray as well.
Let marshmallows set for 6-8 hours uncovered in a cool space. Do not cover. Do not refrigerate.
Cut Into Squares (after 6-8 hours)
- 1 C Confectioners Sugar
To cut marshmallows, cover a large cutting board with confectioners sugar.
Use a knife or pizza cutter to portion marshmallows.
Roll marshmallows in confectioners sugar and store in an airtight container or portion in bags to go with your hot cocoa.
Enjoy! Happy Snow Day!
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