12.22.2010

homemade dark hot chocolate mix & marshmallows too

melting
Homemade. Yes, the marshmallows too!

I thought it would make cute gifts I could give friends and family for the holidays. The best part is that the marshmallows are good for a few weeks, at least. So, if I missed seeing someone on a particular day, it wasn't like their foodie gift would become any less indulgent, as it might with say, cookies or fudge.

I put them in these cute little cellophane bags, and tied them with a little green bow.
gift

I like that the ribbon is green, so it's festive, but not too overdone.
wrapping

I found these sweet gift tags, and scribbled the cooking instructions on the back.
tag you're it

I did say cooking instructions, because I added cornstarch to the mix to make it a little thicker, and in my mind just that much richer. It does need a bit of whisking, or forking, if you will, and a tad of time to simmer. The cornstarch also helps to create the illusion of dairy, so you can use water or other non-dairy beverage to avoid dairy altogether.
whisking hot chocolate

I have to admit though, that I did just happen (an accident of sorts) to consume vast amounts of hot chocolate and marshmallows, just to be sure that I had the mix just right. It was tough, but it appears, I am yet unscathed!
marshmallow goo

So far, that is... These homemade marshmallows are incredible. Next time, I will scrape in the seeds of a vanilla bean.  Crushed pink peppercorns would also be fun with all their little pink bits peeking out.

I mean really.
homemade marshmallow

I forgot to mention that the hot chocolate mix has grated dark Callebaut chocolate. It's just so wrong that it's good. Leave a cup of this out for Santa, and he'll surely never leave.
hot cocoa and marshmallows

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

1 cup Callebaut Dark Chocolate Chunks
1 cup cocoa
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch

For the mix:
1. Place the chocolate chunks in a food processor, and pulverize until nearly a powder. I suggest wearing ear plugs!
2. Combine the ingredients together in a large bowl, and stir until well combined

For a serving:
1. Warm one cup of whole milk slightly.
2. Add 1/4 cup of the hot chocolate mix, and whisk.
3. Continue to heat until the milk simmers, and the mixture has thickened slightly. It should resemble the consistency of heavy cream, but not quite so far as a pudding or yogurt. Add marshmallows, and enjoy!

Homemade Marshmallows

3 packets of Knorr unflavoured gelatin, or approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons of unflavoured gelatin
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup corn syrup (light or golden)
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp best quality vanilla, or the inside of a vanilla bean
plenty of icing sugar (confectioners' sugar)
candy thermometer
pastry brush

1. Combine the gelatin and a 1/2 cup of cool water in a mixer with a whisk attachment. Allow to rest for a half hour, or as long as it takes to make the candy syrup below.
2. In medium-size saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and a half cup of water. Heat to medium, and stir only until the sugar has dissolved. Stop stirring.
3. Fill a small bowl with water, and use it and the pastry brush to dissolve any remaining sugar crystals that are clinging to the sides of the pan. Be semi-generous with the water.
4. Begin to monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer. Be careful! Bring the mixture to 244 degrees Fahrenheit, and then remove from heat.
5. Being careful, pour the syrup into the mixer with the whisk attachment. Starting slowly, whisk until the total amount has tripled in volume, approximately 10 minutes in length.
6. While the mixture is whisking, place nearly copious amounts (a little less than a 1/4 centimeter) of icing sugar in the bottom, and slightly up the sides of a 9 x 9 baking pan (metal or glass).
7. Spread the whipped marshmallow into the pan, and allow to cool and dry for at least twelve hours. No need to cover.
8. Using a hot knife, loosen the marshmallow from the sides of the pan. Turn the gigantic marshmallow out onto a cutting board. Have more icing sugar at the ready. Continue to rinse and heat and dry the knife. Slice the marshmallows into desired sizes, and lightly dust with more icing sugar to prevent the creation of another giant marshmallow.
9. Place the marshmallows in an airtight container, and therefore, ready to be enjoyed!

8 comments:

Jennifer Jo said...

I just made homemade marshmallows for the first time on Sunday and am head over heels in love! They are soooo good on hot chocolate---the perfect pairing.

gail said...

I couldn't agree more!

mcook said...

Hey Jennifer Jo,I think I will try to make the marshmallows. I have never seen the recipe for these until now! Happy Holidays!

Shelby said...

What an awesome gift! I would love to receive! :)

A Canadian Foodie said...

Now, that is perfection and a whole lotta love in one little ol' cup!
:)
Valerie

Savannah, The Acts of Sweetness Ambassador said...

These look amazing! I can't wait to try and make my own marshmellows -- Yum!

I thought I'd also let you know about a contest that Redpath Sugar is having on their Facebook page with a Bakerella giveaway -- including a signed copy of her new book Cake Pops. All of the info is on the facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/redpathsugar?ref=ts

Just thought I'd let you know! Happy Baking.

Unknown said...

Wow! This looks SO excellent! I wish I were friends with you!

Lucy said...

Your marshmallows look so irresistible! Combined with the hot chocolate that is one gorgeous treat.

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