Homemade Marshmallows

Is there anything better than a steaming cup of hot cocoa when it's chilly outside?  Fancy up your next cup with these homemade marshmallows!

2 and 1/2 Tbsp unflavored gelatin
1 and 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
Confectioner's sugar

Combaine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment.  Let it stand 30 minutes.

Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.  Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals.

Clip on a candy thermometer; raise heat to high.  Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees (firm-ball stage).  Immediately remove pan from heat.

With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour syrup into the softened gelatin.  Increase speed to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume; about 15 minutes.  Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.

Generously dust an 8x12-inch glass baking pan with confectioners' sugar.  Pour marshmallow mixture into pan.  Dust with confectioners' sugar; let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out.  Recipe makes approximately 40 marshmallows.

Yummy!!!  These totally elevate the normal cup of hot cocoa!