How To: Make homemade marshmallows

S'mores are elevated to art when made with homemade marshmallows. Easy, fun, and just plain cheerful, these are also the perfect summer gift. Learn how to make your own marshmallows at home with this marshmallow recipe video.

Step 1: Combine gelatin and water
Combine the gelatin and a half-cup of cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Let the mixture sit while you move on to the next task.

Step 2: Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water
Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and a half-cup of water in a small saucepan and place over medium high heat until the syrup reaches a temperature of 235 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Step 3: Mix syrup and gelatin
Turn the mixer on low and drizzle the hot-sugar syrup into the bowl of dissolved gelatin. Then, turn the mixer to high and whip until it is thick and white and forms peaks when you lift the beater up.

Step 4: Grease dish
While the mixer is running, lightly coat the glass casserole dish with vegetable oil. Line the dish with parchment paper that's been cut to fit lengthwise, with about two inches of overhang on each side.

Step 5: Coat paper with confectioners' sugar
Place a few tablespoons of confectioners' sugar in the sieve and sprinkle a coating of sugar over the parchment paper.

Step 6: Add vanilla
When the marshmallow mixture in the mixer is stiff and thick and tripled in size—this should take anywhere from six to 12 minute—add the vanilla and mix for five seconds more. Then turn off the mixer.

Step 7: Pour into dish
Pour the marshmallow mixture into the dish. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top flat.

Step 8: Sugar marshmallows
Shake more confectioners' sugar through the mesh sieve over the top of the marshmallow. Leave the dish on your countertop, uncovered, for at least three hours.

Step 9: Test marshmallows
Feel the top of the marshmallows. If it is dry, almost rubbery when you run your finger over it, it's done. If not, leave it on the c