Thursday, December 16, 2010

Cookie Cutter Project #1: Scottie Dog Marshmallows

What's on my table today?  Hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows!

This is the first of what will be over 30 craft or cooking projects, all using cookie cutters!  Every project will use a cookie cutter in one way or another.  For most of them I've selected my favorite cookie cutter, the Scottie Dog!   I hope you will be able to join in the fun and make some (or all) of the projects.  And my desire to inspire you to think like a cookie cutter, making a "cookie" daily in a fast and fun way.  Many of the projects are easy enough to do with children, though various precautions should be taken (ie: scissors, pins or hot glue guns).

PROJECT #1:  COOKIE CUTTER HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS

Nothing beats a homemade marshmallow.  Nothing beats a Scottie Dog homemade marshmallow!  Here's the recipe, which I adapted from the one found in the "Gooseberry Patch Christmas 2010" magazine. (This is not the Gooseberry Patch "Christmas Book 11", although the recipe may be included in that book.)  I've tried making marshmallows before but never have had any luck until I made this one, which does not use corn syrup as most marshmallow recipes include.  This makes a nice fully and light marshmallow, perfect on top of a mug of hot chocolate or maybe sandwiched between Hershey's chocolate and a couple of graham crackers.  This recipe is easy to follow and does not require any candy making equipment.   

Fluffy Marshmallows
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 cup cold water, divided
2 packages unflavored gelatin
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line an ??????? jelly roll cake pan with aluminum foil, extending foil up the sides of the pan; grease the foil with cooking spray, such as "PAM".  In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and cornstarch; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup water and the gelatin; set aside.  In a heavy medium saucepan, combine remaining 1/2 cup water and sugar over medium-high heat.  Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil and boil 2 minutes.  Whisk hot sugar mixture into gelatin mixture, blending well.  Chill in refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes.  Beat at highest speed with an electric mixer about 5 minutes or until mixture turns white an becomes thick like meringue.  Beat in vanilla.  Pour into prepared pan.  Chill about one hour or until set.

Use the ends of the foil to lift marshmallow from pan, setting on a firm surface.  Use your favorite cookie cutter dipped in hot water to cut out your shapes.  I used my Scottie Dog cookie cutter as well as a smaller sized Angel cookie cutter. The vintage Scottie Dog cookie cutter isn't thick enough to go all the way through, so just imprint the top, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to finish cutting it out.


Coat with the cut marshmallows in the powdered sugar mixture.  Another easier way to coat the cut marshmallows is to put the powdered sugar mixture in a zip lock bag, then add the cut marshmallows to shake on the coating.  Store in an airtight container.  Makes about a dozen, depending on what size cookie cutter you use.  The tray can also be cut in small squares.

Do not double the recipe, if you want more, make them in batches.  This recipe makes about 20 cut marshmallows depending on the size cookie cutter you use.

Now to answer your question (yes, I read minds):  Yes I drank MOST of this hot chocolate.
Next question:  Yes, I am bouncing off the walls! Time for my daily run, maybe I can burn off some of this sugar.
I should have stuck with just drinking the miniature Santa mug full, I found a set of two, vintage and made in Japan, at the thrift store still new in the original package!
I keep the homemade marshmallows in a tall seal able glass container.  They look so pretty in there.  Can you see the Scottie Dogs?  Also, in the next size done jar I keep the hot chocolate mix.  I use a vintage silver tablespoon to scoop out the mix.  So fun to drink hot chocolate on cold days like today.


May you have a blessed day.  Hugs, Heidi

(Linked to Susan's 121st Tablescape Thursday , and Foodie Friday here, as well as Cindy's My Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday here.)

12 comments:

Amanda said...

Oooooh...I really wanted to try making homemade marshmallows for gifting this year but have run out of time and opted for something simpler that I'd done before. However, they are definitely on my list for next year! Thank you for the instructions...I will bookmark them! And thank you for visiting my blog today! Merry Christmas and God Bless! Enjoy your Church Tea this weekend!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

This looks like a fun project to keep in mind with the grands.

Rattlebridge Farm said...

I love homemade marshmallows--what a great idea. Thank you so much for linking to Foodie Friday!

Decor To Adore said...

Oh yum! Oh your tablescape makes me feel merry and bright!

Seasons greetings to you and yours.

Donnie said...

That looks like so much fun. We're in Florida and the grands are in NC so I'm going to have to bookmark your cute post for the summer.

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

These are adorable! Great job. Now you have me craving hot cocoa and homemade marshmallows.

Unknown said...

Homemade marshmallows are such a wonderful holiday project!

Blessings!
Gail

Entertaining Women said...

Ooooh, homemade marshmallows....what a wonderful luxury! Thank you for sharing your charming design. Happy running and Merry Christmas! Cherry Kay

Leaon Mary said...

Heidi, I've seen recipes for homemade marshymallows but have never once tried it. They DO look awful good!!! The scotty cutter is adorable. How fun that you're going to continue on with 29 more project/recipes. Can't wait to see what else you come up with!

Alisa Noble said...

So cute!
I've been wanting to make homemade marshmallows for a long time. Maybe this year is the year.
Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

I have a pair of those Scotty dog cutters and they're my favorite too. :)

I made some cookie cutter ornaments inspired by your article in Inspired Ideas! I posted about it on my blog today and linked to you! http://www.themerrymagpievintage.com/2010/12/crafty-stuff-glittery-vintage-cookie.html

Amy said...

Yum...Hot Chocolate and homemade marshmallows are perfect for gift-giving! Such a great idea! :) Merry Christmas to you and your family!