Marshmallows: Candy Perfected
As if marshmallows couldn’t get any better, I’m here to tell you that homemade marshmallows are a revelation. These spongy, sweet confections are the stuff of dreams, just waiting to be roasted, dunked, melted, or sandwiched between graham crackers and gooey chocolate. And I may have found a way to take them to the next level.
You see, I’m a bit of a coffee snob. I like my cup of joe with just a touch of sweetness, but I try to avoid piling on the sugar. So when I set out to make my own marshmallows, I knew I wanted to steer clear of the usual corn syrup. That’s when sweetened condensed milk came to mind – the perfect sticky-sweet element to elevate my sugar syrup.
Conquering the Candy
Candy making can be tricky, but I was determined to nail this recipe. I opted for a larger saucepan, knowing full well that dairy has a tendency to boil over once it reaches the proper temperature. With a watchful eye and a constant stir, I brought the sugar, water, condensed milk, and a pinch of salt to 240°F on the candy thermometer.
The result? Marshmallows so light and fluffy, they were practically begging to be drizzled in chocolate and dusted with finely ground coffee. I knew exactly what I had to do – a nod to the classic chocolate-covered espresso bean. I brewed up a rich, fragrant cup of Home Cooking Rocks coffee and gently sunk one of my milk marshmallows into the steaming liquid. As the marshmallow melted, it added a playful, indulgent element to my morning cup.
Milk Marshmallows with a Twist
These homemade marshmallows are truly something special. The sweetened condensed milk lends a creaminess that perfectly complements the fluffy, sugary texture. And the coffee dust? Well, that’s just the grown-up version of sprinkling crushed graham crackers on top.
Imagine sinking your teeth into one of these pillowy delights, the dark chocolate drizzle melting on your tongue as the coffee aroma wafts up to your nose. It’s a sensory experience that’s equal parts nostalgic and sophisticated. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a little candy in their coffee every now and then?
The Homemade Marshmallow Experience
Making your own marshmallows may seem daunting, but I promise it’s well worth the effort. The process is actually quite simple, and the end result is so much better than anything you’ll find at the store. Plus, the joy of crafting these fluffy beauties from scratch is truly unmatched.
So grab your stand mixer, fire up the stove, and get ready to embark on a homemade marshmallow adventure. Trust me, your taste buds (and your inner child) will thank you.
Recipe: Milk Marshmallows with Dark Chocolate and Coffee Dust
Ingredients:
- 3 envelopes of gelatin
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar for dusting
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup coffee beans, ground into a fine powder
Instructions:
- Dust one cup of powdered sugar into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, reserving the remainder for dusting the top of the finished marshmallows.
- Bloom the gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer, whisking until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, bring the sugar, remaining 1/2 cup water, condensed milk, and salt to 240°F on a candy thermometer, stirring constantly. Be very careful, as this mixture has a tendency to boil over.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches temperature, turn the stand mixer to low and slowly stream the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Gradually increase the speed to high and mix for 15-18 minutes, until the marshmallow batter is thick, glossy, and fluffy. Add the vanilla and slowly turn the mixer off.
- Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the marshmallow batter into the prepared glass dish. Dust the remaining powdered sugar over the top. Allow to set overnight at room temperature.
- The next day, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth and pourable.
- Turn the set marshmallows out onto a large cutting board or parchment paper. Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the marshmallows. Sprinkle the ground coffee beans over the top.
- Allow the chocolate to set, then serve the marshmallows in a steaming cup of Home Cooking Rocks coffee or hot chocolate. Enjoy!
These homemade milk marshmallows with dark chocolate and coffee dust are the perfect grown-up treat. The sweetened condensed milk lends a creamy richness, while the coffee adds a sophisticated edge. Prepare to be the most popular person at the campfire (or the office break room)!
