Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows

We had our first snow this week and when that business starts to happen I totally cave and am ready to get festive. The Christmas music comes on, the stockings are hung, and I start wanting to put peppermint in everything. I can’t help it, that white stuff falling softly outside my window just puts me in a Christmas frenzy that I can’t control. So, today I am sharing a new recipe I decided to try when the snow started to fall, Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows!

I have seen homemade marshmallows floating around my Pinterest feed for awhile now, but felt intimidated by them for some reason. Maybe it’s because they are like a candy-but-not, and making candy requires thermometers and special molds and things. But friends, FRIENDS! Making your own marshmallows is so fun! They are SO full of flavor and they are gorgeous to look at, with the perfect swirl of white and red. Plus, with the busyness of the holidays it’s so fun to have these marshmallows around to make any beverage instantly more special and festive, which is perfect since today we are teaming up with Dixie® To Go which make it so we can enjoy our favorite cozy holiday beverages on the go! So, there is no sacrificing those warm holiday feelings (or drinks), no matter how busy your schedule may be.

Now, let’s make some marshmallows!

Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows

Ingredients

• Butter for greasing
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 8 to 10 drops red food color

Instructions

1. Generously grease bottom and sides of 11x7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with butter; dust with 1 tablespoon of the powdered sugar. In bowl of stand mixer, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water to soften; set aside.
2. In 2-quart saucepan, heat granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 cup water over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Heat to boiling; cook without stirring about 15-20 minutes (keep a close eye after about 10 minutes, as it can burn quickly once it starts to set) to 240°F on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into cup of very cold water forms a ball that holds its shape but is pliable; remove from heat.
3. Slowly pour syrup into softened gelatin while beating on low speed. Increase speed to high; beat 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture is white and has almost tripled in volume. Add peppermint extract; beat on high speed 1 minute. Pour into baking dish, patting lightly with wet hands. Drop food color randomly onto top of marshmallow mixture. Pull table knife through food color to create swirl pattern over top. Let stand uncovered at least 8 hours or overnight.
4. Dust cutting board with about 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. Place remaining powdered sugar in small bowl. To remove marshmallow mixture, loosen sides from dish and gently lift in one piece onto cutting board. Using sharp knife greased with butter, cut into 1-inch squares. Dust bottom and sides of each marshmallow by dipping into bowl of powdered sugar. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 weeks.

https://prettylifegirls.com/2016/11/homemade-peppermint-swirl-marshmallows/

Aren’t they the prettiest? I loved watching the stages of boiling liquid to fluffy goo, to pillowy clouds of marshmallow deliciousness! On top of that these little cuties are so full of peppermint flavor and are almost too pretty to eat. You’re never going to want to buy a bag of plain ‘ol marshmallows again.

Next, pour a big cup of hot chocolate (or your favorite hot drink) in your Dixie® To Go cup, add a swirly peppermint marshmallow (or two, or five), and your day is SO. MUCH. BETTER. These cups are perfect for elevating your busy day, keeping your warm drinks warm and your fingers cool, while you go out and crush it. With a leak-resistant lid & insulated layer you get the best on-the-go experience, with no effort, no clean up, no worries. These babies are a total must-have this holiday season so you can keep some warm, chocolatey, peppermint goodness on hand at all times. I mean, I think once December is hits, that is a federal law or something. I don’t know, I’m not an attorney.

These Dixie® To Go are so easy to use and are perfect for keeping up a busy schedule so you can focus on the things that matter. However, I do recommend not telling your little monkeys that there is marshmallow goodness in your cup. Just keep that lid on and let them think there’s only grown-up stuff in there. You’re welcome.

What’s your favorite warm drink to have in your cup when winter comes? Have you ever jazzed it up with homemade marshmallows of your own? I’d love to hear about it!

Happy sipping!
ox. Liz

I was selected for this paid opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.