Honey Sweetened Peppermint Marshmallows

Grease an 8×8(or larger) pan and line with parchment paper. Run the sheets of parchment across the bottom of the pan in both directions. Leave some length hanging over the edges of the pan to use as handles when removing your finished marshmallows. See notes below before starting.

In your mixer bowl, add the gelatin with 1/2 cup of water.

While the gelatin is softening, pour the other 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan along with the honey, vanilla and the salt. Turn the burner to a medium high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Place a candy thermometer in the saucepan and continue to boil the mixture until it reaches 240 degrees F (the soft ball stage). This will take approximately 7-8 minutes. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.

Turn your standing mixer to low/medium. Slowly pour the honey mixture into the bowl combining it with the softened gelatin. Turn the mixer to high and continue beating the mixture until it becomes thick like marshmallow creme (about 10 minutes). Add the peppermint extract just before you are done mixing but make sure it is well mixed into the marshmallow creme.

Turn off the mixer and transfer the marshmallow creme to the prepared pan. Remember, if using a coating (powdered sugar or powdered coconut) add it to the bottom of the pan first before transferring the marshmallow creme. Smooth the top of the marshmallow creme and add more coating to the top (if using). Pat to smooth again.

When set, remove the marshmallows by lifting from the parchment paper flaps. Cut to desired size and enjoy!

Notes:
– If using a coconut coating for your marshmallows… If you re-blend 2 cups of dried grated coconut till it is powdery and stop before it starts to release it’s water, you can get powdered coconut.
– If you are not using a coating then lightly grease your hands with oil before patting the marshmallow creme into the pan. This will keep it from sticking to your fingers. Alternatively you can press it down with parchment paper, leaving it there till the marshmallows are completely set.