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Kool-Aid Marshmallows

Kool-Aid Marshmallows on cuttng board

 

A few weeks ago I was asked if I wanted to review a copy of the book Marshmallow Madness: Dozens of Puffalicious Recipes.  The book is written by Shauna Sever who also writes over at the blog Piece of Cake.  Her blog is gorgeous, so I was excited to see what the cookbook would be like.  First off, the cover is puffy!!  Perfect for a book dedicated to marshmallows!  The pictures are fun and beautiful.  There are so many amazing different recipes in this book.  They range from the classic Vanilla to Key Lime Pie, Maple-Bacon, Mango-Chili Lime and more!

pink kool aid marshmallows cut into stars on white plate

The book does an excellent job of walking you through the step by step process of making marshmallows.  I was nervous because of the elevation I live at.  But Shauna walks you through calibrating your thermometer to make sure it works no matter where you live.  They were so much easier to make than I ever thought they would be.  I finally decided to make the Kool-Aid Marshmallows from the Kids in a Candy Store section of the book.  Hers were so pretty in star shapes with Pop Rocks on the edges.  Mine did not turn out quite as pretty 🙁  Part of the problem was I could not find Pop Rocks!!  I tried everywhere, even the Dollar Store, but I could not find them.  I know they still make them, but they just weren’t sold at the stores I went to.  So I improvised and used Nerds, but they didn’t stick nearly as well as I would have hoped. They were good on their own though.  My 6 year old told me I make the BEST Strawberry Marshmallows EVER!

Yield: 24

Kool-Aid Marshmallows

pink kool aid marshmallows on cutting board

Make your own flavored marshmallows at home using Kool-Aid mix

Prep Time 6 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 packet Kool-Aid Drink mix, (I used fruit punch)
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 5 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • Pop Rocks, , optional

Instructions

  1. Lightly coat 8x8 pan with cooking spray (I would use a half sheet pan instead, mine were really thick)
  2. Whisk together Kool-Aid packet, cold water and the gelatin in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes. I will soften and form into a thick mixture, don't worry!
  3. In a saucepan mix together sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1/4 cup water and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until it reaches 240 degrees (or 222 degrees using my thermometer at my elevation). Pour the remaining 1/4 cup corn syrup into the bowl for an electric mixer, fitted with a wire whisk. Microwave the gelatin for about 30 seconds, until completely melted. Pour into the bowl with the corn syrup. Turn mixer on low and keep it running.
  4. Slowly pour in the syrup (once it reaches 240 degrees). Turn the speed up to medium, and beat for 5 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 5 more minutes. Finally, increase the speed to the highest setting and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes. The marshmallow should be three times the volume you started with. Pour into prepared pan, and use a spatula to smooth. Sift together powdered sugar and cornstarch. Sift sugar mixture over the top of the marshmallows. Let stand for 6 hours to set.
  5. Use a knife to loosen the edges. Turn onto a surface dusted with more of the sugar mixture. Dust more sugar mixture over the top. Cut into desired shapes. Dip the sticky edges into Pop Rocks, if desired.

Notes

From Marshmallow Madness

Nutrition Information

Yield

24

Serving Size

24 Servings

Amount Per Serving Calories 71Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 18mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 0gSugar 16gProtein 0g

Did you make this recipe?

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I was given this book by Quirk Books Publishing.  I was not compensated in any other way for this post.  The opinions are completely my own.

Erin S
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Jennifer

Thursday 15th of March 2012

Out of the blue I've decided that I want to try and make homemade marshmallows - I've never even eaten one! These look like so much fun! I have a couple questions if you don't mind: Every marshmallow recipe seems to call for a stand mixer, which I don't have. Is this recipe possible to do with a hand-held? And just out of curiousity, have you used any flavoring oils in your recipes? I'm just wondering how they work. Thanks for the great recipe and for answering my questions! (PS - I live at 8700 feet, so I sympathize with your altitude problem!)

Erin

Thursday 15th of March 2012

And hand mixer will work just fine, you will just have to stand there the whole time. It might take a little longer too, since it isn't quite as powerful. But I know people who have done it just fine! I have not used oils before, but I am sure you could use them. Do they work like extracts? Let me know how they turn out!!

Megan @ Country Cleaver

Tuesday 13th of March 2012

I am in heart with making my own marshmallows. And Kool-Aid ones - I never would've dreamed!

Sandra's Easy Cooking

Friday 9th of March 2012

I can imagine how awesome those taste! These would be perfect for Easter Treats! Well done as always!!!

Audra@The-Baker-Chick

Friday 9th of March 2012

Eeee I love these! I had such a hard time deciding which mallows to make but these were up there on the list. I think any kid would be in love after eating these- so fun and whimsical. I can't wait to make the salted caramel ones!

Lemons and Anchovies

Thursday 8th of March 2012

I have yet to try making my own marshmallows but these are so to-die-for cute I'd better change that soon! :)

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