Toot Sweets

I haven't done much sweet-making since we moved here, I mostly blame my lack of counter space, but I suppose the fact that all of my cake decorating tools are in the garage (lack of pantry space!) makes a difference as well.

Oh. And that whole baby thing too.
:)

However, as previously posted, I have discovered the fun of making homemade marshmallows. This pepperminty recipe.
I decided to make some for the ladies I visit from Church--
stuffing the delicious puffs o' sugar into a jar with peppermint sticks & hot chocolate mix.
Scrumptious!

The only problem was that in the glass jar, the marshmallows started to condensate and lose some of their fluffy perfection. I made sure my friends knew of this, and encouraged them to eat the sweet treats as soon as possible. I believe they took me up on the challenge.

The way to correct this would be to boil the water-sugar mixture longer. And now you know.

Also on my "you should know this if you're going to make these" list:

1-use a 9x11 pan instead of a square pan--it's almost too much for the square one, and perfect for the longer one

2-make sure to use a pan with a handle for the gelatin heating over the simmering pot (this ma...y seem obvious, but this was what I learned the first time I made them w/my friend)

3-MINT EXTRACT IS NOT THE SAME AS PEPPERMINT EXTRACT. be ye forewarned.

4-the time the sugar mixture is boiling is critical to its speed of firming up at the end

5-for a more overall color effect, drop the food color dots the bowl at the end of the final mixing--some will end up pink, but the swirling effect will be more dramatic overall

6-easiest to cut with a blade that has some cooking spray on it & corn starch, also kitchen shears are easier than a knife, and a PIZZA CUTTER is easier than kitchen shears. Go with the cutter.

7-roll the cut up marshmallow bits in confectioner's sugar to prevent them from being all stickity-sticky

8-if you have an electric mixer and plan your timing you can do this alone, otherwise it might be easier to have someone else on your team :)

~

Side Note: Packaging these reminded me of the scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where they try to sell the pepperminty treat "Toot Sweets". For a blast* from the past, click HERE.


*What? You didn't watch this movie as a kid?? If that is the truth, then truly, you need to watch this classic over the holidays!