The Most Decadent Valentine Marshmallows

If you have been following me from the beginning, you will know that one of my favorite recipes to make is homemade marshmallows. A recipe shared by a friend and inspired by Ina Garten.

I knew that I needed to make these for a friend who missed her annual Christmas delivery. AND THEN IT HIT ME! I had made the Valentine Hot Cocoa Stirs with these new silicone heart molds. INSPIRATION! I had to try these now for Valentine Marshmallows.

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Can I tell you that I am NOT a usual marshmallow fan???!!

But, trust me. These are not usual marshmallows. Someone once asked, when you can buy these so cheap by the bagful, why would you bother to make them?!!! Well…as I said in my S’more post when I shared this recipe, you have to try them to understand. Now, I have to be honest here. These marshmallows don’t “roast” like the others. They melt beautifully in a microwave better than over a campfire!

But, oh, my! In hot chocolate. By themselves as a treat. You cannot beat them.

They are not like anything you can buy. I have even bought a “homemade” version at a local confectionary and it wasn’t even close to this amazing recipe.

So… Onward with the Valentine Marshmallows!

Can you tell I am a bit excited over here?

Measure all of your ingredients before you begin.

Start by combining the 3 pkgs. of unflavored gelatin in 1/2 C. cold water in your mixer bowl with the whisk attachment. Let that sit while you make the syrup.

Into a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 C. water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook the syrup until it reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Then remove from the heat. TIP: If it makes it easier to handle, transfer the syrup to a container with a pouring spout, such as, a liquid glass or silicone measuring cup.

Turn the mixer on low and slowly begin pouring the syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Then turn the mixer to high and whip until the mixture is very thick and glossy, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix in thoroughly.

Now…can I tell you, I began with heart shaped silicone molds. The ones that I used in the Valentine Hot Chocolate Stirs.

So…I dusted the silicone molds with confectioner’s sugar as best as I could…that was the first issue!

TIP: For dusting the confectioner’s sugar, I have a Pampered Chef powdered sugar shaker that I love—

Now for the results..

This time, I chose to add the marshmallow mixture into a ziploc bag with the corner cut, and pipe into each mold. I have a variety of different sized hearts in the mold, so, I gave this a try for ensuring that the mixture filled completely.

Second issue! That mixture just was a pure mess to pipe!

As with marshmallows in a dish, I dusted the tops with more powdered sugar and allowed it to stand overnight uncovered until it dried out.

Can I tell you that not ALL great ideas are met with great results?

I tried to push the mold from the bottom to remove the marshmallows. It was a disaster. They stretched and contorted. They refused to let go of the mold. I finally gave up. Set them in the sink and added hot water to remove any trace of failure from those silicone pans.

Thankfully, not all was lost.

You see, I had saved half of the recipe in an 8 x 8 dish, the traditional way with making marshmallows. So, as a result, my next trick was to try heart shaped cookie cutters to make the valentine marshmallows.

Drumroll, please! It worked. I dipped the cutter in a bit of powdered (confectioner’s) sugar and cut each one. Occasionally, I had to wipe clean and begin again because of the stickiness of the sides of the marshmallows.

And another tip…spray the cookie cutters with a nonstick spray before cutting.

You just dip the sides of those cut marshmallow hearts into more confectioner’s sugar, and there you go!

Aren’t these the cutest?

Moral of the story…if at first you don’t succeed…try again!

Homemade marshmallows. Valentine marshmallows.

Perfect for toasting on top of desserts or sweet potato casserole or added to a great cup of hot chocolate. Delectable little gifts. I can’t wait for you to try these!

Someone loved these today!!

Surprise everyone. Make their day! And if you do, please share with me your results!!

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!