bushel&peck

1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water

2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar

2/3 cup (155 ml) light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Red food coloring

Non-stick cooking spray

1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Dark chocolate, melted

1. lightly spray a 9 x 9-inch pan. line the pan with plastic wrap + lightly spray the plastic wrap; this makes the marshmallows easier to remove from the pan.

2. in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water and whisk together. allow to set for 5-10 minutes for the gelatin to "activate".

3. in a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, corn syrup, 1/4 cup water. bring to a boil over medium high heat. as soon as the sugar begins to boil rapidly, set timer for 1 minute. when the minute is up, remove the mixture from heat.

4. immediately start mixing the gelatin mixture on medium speed and pour in the hot sugar mixture. once combined, add the salt and turn the mixer up to a high speed. continue mixing for about 10 minutes. the marshmallow mixture should turn white and fluffy and start to actually look like marshmallows :). add the peppermint and vanilla extract then continue mixing for another 2 minutes to combine.

5. spread the marshmallows into the prepared pan (it's gonna be sticky!). add small drops of red food coloring over the top and, using a toothpick, swirl the food coloring.

6. in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. spread over the top of the marshmallows and allow them to rest for at least 3 hours to solidify.

7. to cut, flip the marshmallows onto a cutting board covered in a light layer of the powdered sugar mixture. spray a large sharp knife with cooking spray and cut the marshmallows into squares, spraying the knife after each cut. coat the marshmallows in the powdered sugar mixture to keep them from being sticky. brush off the excess sugar.

8. if desired (trust me, you'll wanna), drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the marshmallows and allow 10-15 minutes for the chocolate to set.