How to Make Marshmallows

* 3/4 cup light corn syrup

* 3/4 cup granulated sugar

* 1/4 cup water

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 2 egg whites

* 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until mixture is slightly thickened and syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (235–240°F on a candy thermometer).

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.

4. With mixer on low speed, slowly add hot syrup to egg whites. Increase speed to high and beat until mixture is thick and glossy and has cooled to room temperature (about 5 minutes).

5. Sprinkle gelatin over the surface of the mixture and let sit for 1 minute. Beat on high speed until gelatin is completely dissolved.

6. Beat in vanilla extract.

7. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dust the top with powdered sugar.

8. Let the marshmallows cool completely at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or overnight.

9. Cut the marshmallows into squares and dust them with additional powdered sugar, if desired. Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature.

>Helpful Tips

>* To prevent the sugar mixture from crystallizing, make sure to stir it constantly during the boiling process.

>* To save time, you can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the syrup.**