Make Your Own Marshmallows

Introduction

Whether you are huddled around a fireplace, or drinking hot chocolate after a day in the snow, nothing says fun quite like a marshmallow! Even its name is soft and spongy! Have you ever wondered how marshmallows are made? Long ago marshmallows were actually made from a plant, the marshmallow plant, but today we usually make them using a few key ingredients, namely gelatin, corn syrup, and sugar. In this appetizing activity you will get to explore what ratio of sugar to corn syrup produces the best-tasting and best-textured marshmallows!

Credits

Materials

• Masking tape
• Pen or marker
• Ruler
• Paper towels
• Timer
• 8 or 9 inch square foil cake pans or round foil pie pans (2)
• Small sifter or strainer
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan with lid
• Electric mixer or beater
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Fork
• Spatula
• Pizza wheel or cookie cutter approximately 1 inch by 1 inch
• Large air-tight containers or gallon-size sealable plastic bags
• Water
• Vegetable oil, like canola or safflower oil
• Corn syrup, light or dark is fine (1/2 cup)
• Powdered or confectioner's sugar
• Plain, unflavored, ¼-ounce gelatin envelopes (2); available at grocery stores
• Granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups)
• Candy thermometer; it must be able to read up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 115 degrees Celsius
• Vanilla extract
• Taste-testing volunteers, such as friends and family!