Homemade Marshmallows

Ingredients:

Gelatin  : 1 Tbsp
Cold Water : 1/2 Cup
Granulated Sugar : 1 Cup
Confectioners' (powdered or icing) sugar : 1/2 cup
Salt : 1/4 Tsp
Vanilla extract :1 Tsp

Method:

In a small bowl, combine the gelatin and 1/4 cup water.
Take a baking pan or cake pan and sift a thin layer of the powdered sugar onto the bottom of the pan.

In a medium sauce pan, combine the granulated sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup water and cook it over a medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add in gelatin and bring the mixture to a boil over a medium high heat, then removing it from the burner. (Be careful, this stuff puffs up when it boils)
Add in the salt and vanilla extract.

Transfer the mixture to a heat proof bowl and using a hand mixer/stand mixer, beat it on low for about a minute or two. This is to cool the mixture. When the amount of steam leaving the mixing bowl has subsided a bit, turn the speed up. Do this for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has doubled in size. You’ll know it is done when it will be very thick and creamy but not so stiff you cannot work with it.

Pour the mixture onto the sugar-covered flat surface and let it cool. The mixture is very sticky so just smooth it out as best as you can. Dust the top of the marshmallow with another 3 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar and let stand, uncovered, at room temperature until set.

Remove the marshmallow from the pan by first running a small sharp knife around the edge of the marshmallow to loosen it from the pan. Invert the pan onto a large cutting board that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar.

Cut the marshmallow into squares using clean kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Dip the cut sides of the marshmallows in additional confectioners' sugar. Shake off excess sugar and store the marshmallows in an airtight container, at room temperature