Homemade Marshmallows & Hot Spiced Mocha
Homemade Marshmallows —
If you’ve never had homemade marshmallows, you’re in for a very special treat! Almost like magic, simple ingredients are transformed into a fluffy gourmet confection. They are a bit messy to make, but well worth the effort, and tastes better than anything you can buy in the store. In my recipe I add Amaretto to the mix, turning them into a sophisticated version of a childhood favorite.
My inspiration comes from a recent get-away to the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek, Colorado. A beautiful resort property where “pampered” is the perfect adjective to describe the experience. Each evening hotel guests are invited to the outdoor fire pit for a complimentary s’mores happy hour. Handmade marshmallows crafted by the Hyatt chefs in a variety of flavors including vanilla, orange, strawberry, toffee, and Grand Marnier make their appearance. A barrel of fire sticks, the required graham crackers, and both milk and dark chocolate, accompany the marshmallows. It’s so much fun to watch both kids and adults bond over creating delicious gourmet treats. Perhaps my Amaretto twist will inspire them to consider adding it to the yummy list!
Inspiration: Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek
I used the recipe given to me by the Hyatt. It’s their base recipe without the flavorings- they wouldn’t share those secrets! The recipe calls for corn syrup, which might make you balk, but it should not be confused with high-fructose corn syrup because they are two different products and are assimilated by the body differently. I’m sharing a link to another blog where the author does a good job explaining the difference if you want to know more. After more research I found a Giada Delaurentis recipe that uses evaporated milk instead, but I have not tried it. Yes, there is a lot of sugar in the recipe, but a small portion goes a long way. One or two dropped cubes dropped into a hot cup of spiced mocha tempers their sweetness as they melt into a pool of Amaretto-spiked deliciousness.
Marshmallows & Mocha
INGREDIENTS
COOK TIME - Minutes
MARSHMALLOWS
- ½ Cup Amaretto Liqueur
- ½ Cup water
- 3 Envelopes unflavored gelatin (I use Knox)
- 2 Cups sugar
- ⅔ Cup light corn syrup (I use Karo)
- ¼ Tsp. salt
- ½ Tsp. Almond extract
- Powder Sugar
- Line 13x9x2 inch metal baking pan with foil. Coat foil lightly with non-stick spray.
- Add Amaretto to bowl of heavy duty mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Sprinkle gelatin over liquids. Let stand until gelatin softens and absorbs water, at least 15 minutes.
- Combine 2 cups sugar, corn syrup, and remaining 1⁄2 cup water in a heavy sauce pan. Stir over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves, brushing down the sides with wet brush. Attach a candy thermometer to side of pan. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Boil without stirring, until syrup reaches 240 degrees F - about 10-12 minutes
- With mixer running at low speed, slowly pour hot syrup into gelatin mixture in thin stream down side of bowl. Gradually increase speed to high and beat until mixture is stiff (about 15 minutes). Add Almond extract and beat to blend (about 30 sec more).
- Scrape marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Smooth the top with a wet spatula. Let stand at room temperature for about 8 hours to cool.
- Place powdered sugar in small bowl. Sift a good dusting onto a work surface; turn the marshmallow slab up side down onto the powdered surface. Remove the foil from the surface. With a dry, sharp knife cut the marshmallows into 2 inch squares. Place the cubes into the bowl of remaining powder sugar and toss to coat. Marshmallows will keep in an air tight container for several weeks.
Hot Spiced Mocha
- 1 1/2 Cups of Milk
- 2 Tsp. Instant Coffee granules
- 1 Tbs. Semi-sweet chocolate chips (can substitute chocolate syrup)
- Dash of Cinnamon
- Dash of Chili Powder
Place all ingredient into a two-cup glass measuring cup (microwave safe). Stir to combine – Microwave 1 1/2 minute on high – stir – microwave an additional minute+ or until chocolate chips are melted. Remove from microwave and use a hand milk frother to whip volume into the drink if you have one. Top with marshmallows and serve.
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