Chocolate Marshmallow Candy

The thought of chocolate marshmallow candy brings back warm and sweet memories to my heart and mind.

My mother and I both adored that delectable combination, especially when the chocolate and marshmallows were fresh.  That's when they are PERFECT!

Because my dear mom has gone on to heaven, I feel a bit nostalgic (if you know what I mean) whenever I'm contemplating a chocolate marshmallow treat.

In fact, last Easter I saw some chocolate marshmallow eggs in the store and I just had to buy one to enjoy while sitting and thinking about my sweet mom and the blessing she was to my life.  I think she would have liked that.

Well, enough about me! :)

One of our regular visitors and contributors (Connie Zakhary) sent me a photo this week of some gorgeous chocolate dipped marshmallows.

Connie made 300 of these mouthwatering morsels last month for her niece's wedding.  Don't they look beautiful?

I reckon her niece is a pretty lucky girl, don't you?!

There are different ways to make your own chocolate marshmallow candy treats.  You can start from scratch and make your own marshmallow, or you can take a quick shortcut using store-bought marshmallows and whip up something lickity-split.

Let's talk about both options...

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows
Quick & Easy Method

If you've got the ingredients in your pantry, you can literally create your own chocolate covered marshmallow party favors in about 10 minutes. 

Yes, really!  Have you got...

• 1 bag of Jet puffed marshmallows
• 1 bag of chocolate chips, wafers, or candy melts
• colored sprinkles, jimmies, crushed nuts, or coconut (optional)

That's all you need to make chocolate marshmallow candy in minutes! 

Putting it all together is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Simply melt the chocolate you've chosen.  You can use a double boiler or the microwave.  If you don't have a proper double boiler, you can place a bowl over the top of a smaller pot of simmering water.
   
   If you choose the microwave method, be sure to not overheat.  Stir every 15 seconds to be on the safe side. 
   
   
2. Dip the marshmallows in the chocolate.  Using a skewer poked in the end of the marshmallow may make it easier for you.  You could even leave the skewers in each one to make it more like a pop if desired.
   
   
3. Sprinkle on your chosen topping.  You'll want to do this quickly before the chocolate sets.  

I asked Connie to share the details of how she made her chocolate marshmallow candy and this is what she had to say...

As you can see from the photos, Connie placed each marshmallow in a paper cup liner.  That's great for presentation all by itself, but she took it one step further since these were made as a wedding favor.

Connie also wrapped each chocolate covered marshmallow individually in cellophane and added a pretty bow to create adorable little chocolate marshmallow wedding favors.

So, once you get the simple basics down, you can get creative and make your chocolate marshmallow candy as fancy or pretty as you like. 

Homemade Marshmallow Recipe

If you've never thought about making homemade marshmallows before, you may be surprised at how simple the process is. 

Give it a try and be amazed!

There are a couple of different recipes for homemade marshmallows, but they are all quite similar.  This one is easy-peasy. 

• 3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin (or 3 Tablespoons of powdered gelatin - 75 grams)
• 1 cup ice cold water, divided into 2 equal portions
• 1 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of corn syrup
• 1/4 tsp. of salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar) and 1/4 cup of cornstarch combined

1. Prepare a baking tray by spraying it with non-stick spray and then dusting it liberally with the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture.  (Save the remaining mixture to use at the end).
   
   
2. Put 1/2 cup of cold water and gelatin in your mixing bowl and allow to set while you are preparing the hot mixture.  (Hint:  A stand mixer with a whisk attachment is the ideal tool for making marshmallows.  If you don't have one, many people have declared success using a hand mixer.)
   
   
3. In a heavy saucepan, combine the other 1/2 cup of water, the sugar, the corn syrup and the salt and place over medium heat with the lid on.  Cook for 3-4 minutes to bring it to the boil.  Remove the lid and attach a candy thermometer to the side and allow to cook (not stirring) until the temperature reaches 235-240 degrees F. 
   
   
4. Remove from heat immediately and slowly pour into the gelatin mixture (with the mixer on low) until it is all combined.  Turn the speed up to high and continue whisking until the marshmallow is thick and fluffy.  Be prepared!  This will take about 10 minutes or so.  During the last minute, don't forget to add your vanilla.  :)
   
   
5. Pour marshmallow candy onto prepared baking tray.  You can use a spatula that's been lightly sprayed with oil to help spread it out as evenly as you like.  You have to let the marshmallow rest for several hours at room temperature.  You might want to make it at night and leave it till morning so you won't be tempted to pick at it all day!  :)
   
   
6. When the marshmallow has rested, sprinkle the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture over the top and turn it onto a cutting board or marble slab.  Dust the top again and cut your marshmallow into the desired size pieces.  You can use a pizza cutter, scissors, or even cookie cutters if you want to get fancy.
   
   
7. Once you've cut your marshmallows, be sure to dust all sides with the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture.  Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.  They'll easily keep a week or two (if no one gobbles them up before then!).
   

Okay, I know it sounds harder than it is, but give it a try.  You're absolutely going to love making your own chocolate marshmallow candy using these homemade marshmallows.

In fact, you can come up with loads of variations on the them: 

• Add some flavored oil to the mixture in place of vanilla.
• Use colored sugar mixed in the powdered sugar coating.
  
• Use crushed candy canes or crushed nuts as a coating.
• How about shredded coconut?
• Make colored marshmallows by adding a little food coloring when whisking.

What other ideas can you come up with?  Don't forget to share!

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