Marshmallow Ghosts

[Dace]

I am going to attempt these for DD's 3rd grade Halloween party tomorrow. I have only made marshmallow a few times and am a little worried about pipping it. Overall they seem easy enough....I will pipe them out onto a tray of white sugar and dust them with sugar before they set.

Oh shoot, do I have to make them today if they are to be eaten tomorrow? I can't remember.

 

[TTs Chicks]

Recipe please . . .

 

[abifae]

oh how FUUUUUUUN!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dace]

Here is the recipe that I am going to use. Wish me luck, nothing like waiting until the last minute!


Homemade Marshmallows
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2007

Prep Time:35 minInactive Prep Time:4 hr 0 minCook Time:10 min
Level:
Intermediate
Serves:
approximately 9 dozen marshmallows or 1 1/2 pounds miniature

Ingredients
3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray
Directions
Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

For regular marshmallows:
Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

For miniature marshmallows:
Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line 4 half sheet pans with parchment paper, spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray and dust with the confectioners' sugar mixture.

Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch between each strip. Sprinkle the tops with enough of the remaining cornstarch and sugar mixture to lightly cover. Let the strips set for 4 hours or up to overnight.

Cut into 1/2 inch pieces using a pizza wheel or scissors dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining sugar mixture and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Edited to add....I filled a gallon sized ziplock with the marshmallow fluff, and snipped off one corner/end. Then I piped the little guys onto parchment paper that had a nice coat of granulated sugar on it so that they would not stick. Then I dusted them all with more granulated sugar....yes it is sugar overload day! In a couple of hours when they are completely cooled, I will add eyes and mouths.

 

[Rebecka]

Okay, thanks to this post. I made marshmallows yesterday for the first time! OMG how fun! It simply never occurred to me that one could make marshmallow. I just kind of assumed that was some scary chemical / heavy machinery process I didn't really want to know the details on. I believe it went well for being a newb to it. I saw where someone had lined their pan with foil and thought that might be smart. I did however, neglect to prepare the foil at all, so getting the sheet of set marshmallow off the foil was well.. EVEN MORE FUN!

I have a ton of those silicon ice trays in various holiday type shapes that I got for making sugar free gummy candies and was considering the possibilities I thought I might try some with just the straight marshmallow, added flavors of course and if that doesn't go well, I guess I can paint the trays with chocolate.

Dace, what will you be using for the faces ?

Does anyone have any idea how to add color to granulated sugar? DIY Peeps sound like they might be a blast!

 

[Dace]

Good for you for trying it!!

I dusted my little ghosts in granulated sugar, but when I made regular marshmallows in the past, I layered my tray with whatever I wanted to coat them in....toasted coconut was awesome! I also spread out some sprinkles for some and I think just some plain old corn starch for some plain ones.

I tried piping on melted chocolate for the eyes and mouth and it would not stick because of the sugar, so I used a tooth pick to smear it on....not exactly perfect, but hey, they were 3rd graders and completely impressed that I mad them "Ghost Peeps!!"

I will try to post a pic.