HOMEMADE VANILLA MARSHMALLOWS

Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows image

My husband Dale's grandmother fixed these fluffy marshmallows only for special occasions. Since she had no electric mixer, beating the ingredients by hand for 30 minutes was a labor of love. Now, Dale makes them. They're delicious!

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield about 8 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

Confectioners' sugar
2 cups cold water, divided
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
4 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Toasted sweetened shredded coconut and ground pecans, optional

Steps:

Generously dust a 13x9-in. pan with confectioners' sugar. In a large bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 3/4 cup cold water., In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, salt and remaining water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook, covered, 3 minutes. Uncover; cook, without stirring, over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer reads 248° (firm-ball stage). Slowly add to gelatin mixture, beating on low speed until incorporated. Add vanilla; beat on medium until thick and doubled in volume, about 10 minutes., Spread into prepared pan. Let stand, covered, at room temperature 6 hours or overnight., Using a knife coated with cooking spray, cut into 1-in. squares. Roll in coconut, pecans or additional confectioners' sugar. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 34 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 4mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.