Herbalists used to make marshmallows for medicinal purposes by using the sap from the marshmallow plant. I still use marshmallow tincture in my clinic today. It is perfect for sore throats and soothing the gastrointestinal tract as it is anti-inflammatory. However, nowadays the marshmallow we buy doesn’t actually contain any marshmallow itself. It is a similar situation with licorice. It is cheaper to use powdered egg, sugar, wheat and corn syrup to make these traditional treats but we lose all medicinal value. So, I wanted to show you an easy way to create healthy marshmallows at home that are good for your gut. I have left out the marshmallow itself as this is not an ingredient many people have at home but you could certainly add some if you wanted. You could also add homemade bone broth for a similar benefit. However, the gelatin will work the gut health miracle on its own.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 tablespoon of grass fed gelatin powder
• 1 cup hot water (not boiling)
• 1 cup maple syrup or honey
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 split vanilla bean or flavor with peppermint, lemon or orange extracts
METHOD
Use an electronic mixer for this as it needs to keep moving. In the bowl of the mixer, whisk the gelatin and half the water & set aside. In a large saucepan, place the other half of water, honey or maple syrup, and salt. Keep in mind if you choose honey your marshmallows will taste very much like honey.
This needs to get hot and have plenty of room to bubble, hence the big pot. You can use a thermometer to get it over 200°C or use the ice bowl method. Simply have a bowl of ice water next to the saucepan and when it has been boiling for 10-15 minutes start testing by putting a teaspoon of the hot liquid into the ice water and waiting until it makes a small soft ball. Do not let it go hard or your marshmallows will not be fluffy.
Remove from heat and start your mixer with the gelatin in the bowl on low, beginning to break it up. Carefully start to pour the hot syrup into the gelatin as slow as possible while the mixer is still moving on slow. Start to turn the mixer up until all the hot syrup is added and the mixer is on the highest setting.
Add your flavoring and mix for 10 minutes until it looks like the best fluffy marshmallow you have seen. Transfer the marshmallow to a lined tin. I put some pureed berries through the top of this one to give it the decoration. Set in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight and cut as desired. They will keep for a week in the fridge.
