Marshmallows are one of those things that I didn’t think I liked. All I had ever tried (prior to working in a restaurant) was that commercial crap that comes in bags. I thought they were just sugary and very artificial tasting stuff. One day, I tried a home-made marshmallow and wow, it was actually quite good.
Recently, we had an incredible Mexican hot chocolate when we were in Chicago, with a killer marshmallow. That reminded me, I wanted to try making these things. It always seemed daunting because it’s so sticky. I was sure it would be quite difficult but I was ready to try. I got a well-rated recipe on epicurious.com an I’m no longer scared of making these and will probably do it again.
You basically bloom some gelatin, boil up the sugar and corn syrup, and pour the hot mixture into the gelatin while whipping.

After pouring it, the instructions say to “smooth top” but that seems impossible. See how it’s not so flat?

How cool is that! I’ve never thought to make my own, but I bet they taste better than the Kraft or Campfire versions, and I’m sure they’re better than the dehydrated yuckyness in the instant hot chocolate mix!
Thanks for posting!
Kelley, they are definitely better than store bought stuff. Try them!
I’ve only had homemade marshmallows at fancy bakeries…what a treat! As soon as I get a mixer I am making these for sure!
We loved these, but didn’t find them very vanilla-y actually. They had ‘normal’ marshmallow flavor more than vanilla marshmallow.
if you really want to try a delicious marshmallow, look for an authentic recipe that starts with an italian meringue. egg white based marshmallows are less saccharine, moister, and have a much subtler flavor profile. enjoy!
Maggie, hope you get a mixer soon!
K&S;, Lon and I thought these were more vanilla-y. The store bought ones taste like plain sugar.
Thanks Jason, will look around for a recipe.
Delicious! And very similar to the marshmallows I made. It makes me long for smores again! http://erinsfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-cant-wait-to-make-smore.html
Erin, thanks for your link. I’ll be making s’mores with them tomorrow.
potato starch? does that just make them easier to cut?
strangely, this is the second time in a week i’ve heard someone mention homemade mallows….bet it would taste great in my hot cocoa with baileys irish cream!
Homemade marshmallows are so much better than the store bought chemical crap! Enjoy!! 🙂
Snazz, the potato starch does help a bit in the cutting, but mainly, it keeps the marshmallows from sticking together when you store them.
Gina, yup, it’s a mighty big difference.
wow…that was great…I made it but I substitute the corn syrup with honey and i’m using hand mixer and they turnout white and fluffy…I just beat them for about 7-8 minutes and they turn out very fluffy and sticking to my fingers…