I love reading other people's blogs. I love to cook. Whenever I post on Facebook something new that I am cooking, people ask me questions... I thought maybe people would be interested in a blog that I could write about things that I cook, bake and create! Who knows! I will first warn you that I am one of the most computer illiterate people around. In fact, I am amazed that I have figured out this much! I hope to include photos, funny stories of the good and bad meals and great recipes! Due to the fact that I do some catering and sell some of my goodies, I will not be sharing all of my recipes. Now let's have some fun!!!!

I am a mom to 2 great kids aged 6 and 9! I was looking through a cookbook of Ina Garten's and found a recipe for homemade marshmallows. For a couple of months I kept thinking about it, but I kept buying the store bought ones... Finally, the other night, I thought, what the heck! Let's give it a try! OMG!!!!! They are amazing! Totally worth the work and almost burning up my loved Kitchenaid mixer! I'll start by giving you the recipe:

HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.

Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick. This took mine about 15 minutes! Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

With a sieve, generously dust an 8 x 12 inch nonmetal baking dish with confectioners' sugar. Pour the marshmallow mix into the pan, smooth the top, and dust with more confectioners' sugar. Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out.

Turn the marshmallows onto a board and cut them in squares. Dust them with more confectioners' sugar.

This recipe is taken from Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook.

Alright, I know this recipe takes some time, but it is so worth it! We have eaten them plain, made simple kid s'mores in the microwave, and done a chocolate fondue with them! Tonight is sledding with great friends and you can bet that they will be added to our hot chocolate!