Honeyed Marshmallows

Recipe by: Sarah Huck, Jaimee Young | from Campfire Cookery

Cookstr

Total Time: Half Day

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

A long time ago, in a land not so very far away, the marshmallow was made from the sap of the marshmallow plant, a natural marvel with an astounding medicinal appeal, but a flavor rather similar to a pot of glue. Small wonder that apothecaries began to sweeten it for the sake of palatability. As is usually the case with progress, the squishy confection soon became mass-produced, and today's interpretations rely heavily on icky sweeteners like corn syrup and other ingredients with chemical designations too rife to name. The ultimate cost of improving this beloved candy's flavor has been, to put it bluntly, the rotting of one's innards.

Considering that the marshmallow is a key component of outdoor merrymaking, vital to the preparation of S'mores and Minty Chocolat Chaud, not to mention that it is perfectly delectable on its own, we endeavored to create a better one-slightly more wholesome and of a more mouth-pleasingly chewy texture. After careful consideration, we hit upon the idea of employing honey to flavor these poufy dainties. It adds just the sort of old-fashioned sweetness that marshmallows of the jet-puffed variety lack.

Yield: Makes about 2 dozen marshmallows

INGREDIENTS

½ cup confectioners' sugar, plus additional for sprinkling if desired
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 3 tablespoons)
2 cups granulated sugar
¼ cup mild, light-colored honey such as orange blossom or clover
2 large farm-fresh egg whites
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with foil, smoothing the foil into the dish so there are no wrinkles to leave an unsightly pattern on the marshmallows. Sift ¼ cup of confectioners' sugar into the bottom of the dish.

2. Place the gelatin in 1 cup cold water to bloom. Place a candy thermometer in a saucepan over a medium heat; cook the granulated sugar, honey, and ½ cup water, stirring until the sugar dissolves, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. When the sugar mixture has come up to temperature, carefully pour it into the egg whites while whisking. Continue whisking until the mixture has cooled slightly, about 1 minute, then add the gelatin mixture and the vanilla. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken and quadruples in volume, 5 to 7 minutes. Scrape the marshmallow into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sift the remaining ¼ cup confectioners' sugar on top. Allow the marshmallows to set for 4 hours or overnight. Cut them into 2-inch squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature. The marshmallows will keep for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, and up to 1 week if chilled.

4. Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar before serving, if desired.