Homemade Strawberry Marshmallows

H

omemade marshmallows are so easy and fun to make that I am surprised anyone is still buying the bagged version. Seriously, they are nothing alike. The homemade version is so silky smooth, light and fluffy…seriously amazing! The best part is creating your own flavors. I have been making my own marshmallows for years because of the flavor options you can create. Vanilla bean marshmallow creates a smores that makes camping a luxurious culinary experience.

For Valentines Day this year, we decided to take the recipe up a notch by adding freeze-dried strawberries to the mix. The result was so yummy I was left wondering why it took so long to try. Many people add artificial strawberry flavoring to marshmallows, but extracts can’t come close to this fresh flavor. Even adding fresh strawberries cooked down into a syrup does not provide the concentrated fresh flavor that freeze-dried pulverized strawberries create.

Cut the marshmallow into heart shapes and the possibilities are endless. Toss them in sanding sugars and sprinkles for a stand-alone confection or put them on top of a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold morning. I have to admit the strawberry flavor begs to be dipped in chocolate. Homemade strawberry marshmallows dipped in chocolate, decorated and packed in a box make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Ingredients:

2 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin

4 Tbsp cold water

1 cup boiling water

2 cups sugar

1/2 tsp finely ground sea salt

1/2 cup finely ground freeze-dried strawberries

1 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 cup corn starch

Instructions:

1. Spray a  9×11 pan with non-stick cooking spray, line with parchment, spray parchment with non-stick cooking spray. set pan aside.
2. Place freeze-dried strawberries into bowl of a food processor. Pulse until strawberries become a fine powder.
3. In stand mixer bowl pour 4 Tbsp cold water over 2 envelopes of unflavored Knox gelatin.
4. Let water fully absorb into gelatin.
5. Pour 1 cup boiling water over gelatin and stir until hot water completely dissolves gelatin.
6. Add sugar, salt, and desired food coloring.
7. Whip on high until stiff peaks form.
8. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder and whip until fully incorporated.
9. Pour marshmallow mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top.
10. Let marshmallow mixture sit at least 4 hours before cutting.
11. Spray cookie cutter with non-stick cooking spray and cut marshmallow into shapes.
12. In a small bowl sift together confectioners sugar and corn starch.
13. Toss cut shapes in the confectioner’s sugar mixture and dust excess off the marshmallow shapes.
14. Enjoy!!!