Homemade Marshmallows - Who knew???

For some reason (possibly b/c I'm weird), I had an odd thought the other night. I wish I could say I knew where it came from but I honestly don't know. I was out on the balcony thinking about how my uncle was saying at brunch that the new word on the street is: burnt food can cause cancer. Then (oh wait, now I'm starting to remember my thought process on this) I thought of how I LOVE burnt marshmallows. From that thought I went to 'mmmmmm marshmallows', kind of like how Homer does the whole 'mmmmmmmmm donuts' thing. And out of nowhere I was like BAM and a light bulb came on. Not on the balcony but like in my head. I asked myself 'Is there a way to make homemade marshmallows'? And you know what ladies and gents, THERE IS!

All I can say is, you're welcome. :)

Ingredients:

3 cups white sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions:

Generously coat a 9x13 dish with cooking spray.
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt and water. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan.
Chill in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. To cut, loosen edges with a knife. Dust surface with confectioners' sugar, and turn out onto a waxed paper lined surface. Dust with confectioners' sugar again and cut with a knife.

When I get the balls to try this out, I'll let you know what happens!!!
MMMMMMMMmarshmallows. teehee!