Fluffy Little Pillows of Joy......

That's how I would describe these marshmallows that I made from a recipe by The Homesteading Housewife

I took a plate of them to work and within minutes, they were gone. I had co-workers asking me for the recipe and telling me that they were the most amazing marshmallows they had ever had.

The recipe was very simple. It takes a few steps and a little patience, but was very easy to follow and had great results.

So, here is the recipe if you want to give it a shot!

Dana's Homemade Marshmallows

Ingredients
4 envelops unflavored gelatin
3 c. granulated sugar
1 1/4 c. light corn syrup
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 c. water

In a sauce pan, cook granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt and 3/4 c. water over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Once sugar is dissolved, bring to a rolling boil and let cook (not stirring) for 1 full minute or until mixture reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Meanwhile, sprinkle gelatin over remaining 3/4 c. water in the bowl of an electric mixer and let stand to soften (approx 5 min).

Slowly pour hot mixture into gelatin and mix on low speed. Gradually raise the mixer speed to high and beat for approximately 5 minutes. Slowly add vanilla and continue to beat for 5-6 more minutes or until very stiff peaks form.

Pour mixture into a greased 9x19 pan and let set uncovered for about 3 hours until set. (Mine set overnight).

Once set, prepare a work surface with powdered sugar, turn marshmallow out onto it, and cut into squares using a sharp wet knife. (hint: use a sharp blade knife and cut straight through. Do not "saw" at the marshmallow, it will stick to the knife.) Roll each in powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

I will definitely make this recipe again to give for holiday gifts. I'll try some add-inns to the marshmallows - my daughter suggested "rocky road". Check out The Homesteading Housewife
blog on how to add all the extras.

I plan on making homemade hot chocolate mixes and pairing it with the marshmallows- an easy and inexpensive gift, given from the heart!

'Tis the Season.....

'Tis the season, and I'm not feeling all that jolly yet.

The gift requests are starting to roll in at faster pace each week as the kids peruse the weekend paper ads. Retailers are pulling every trick in the book to get me into their stores to spend my money. Strip malls have had their "Holiday" decor up since November 1st. My local radio station has been playing Christmas music 24/7 for two weeks already.

It's all coming too soon this year. It's not even Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday stress has already begun.

What happened to the days of anticipation of the day after Turkey Day? I used to wait for that day each year, looking forward to the opening of the Season. It was so much simpler, so much less stressful, so much more relaxed.

So today, in the 87 degree heat of the desert southwest, I say. Bah-humbug!

But, give me a week or two and I'll be declaring that it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Cooler Weather Crafting...

I woke up this morning and the weather was downright chilly for us Southwesterners. The thermometer in my car said it was 50 degrees. I know that for some that is toasty, but when you have been acclimated to 110 degrees for the last 5 months, 50 degrees is cold!

Anyhow, this cooler weather has put me in the mood to really start my holiday crafting. I've been thinking about my past projects and how I can incorporate those into "homemade" gifts this year. I have already shared a couple with you on Crafty Cam. But I am full of ideas.

With the economy as it is, we will all be looking to save a buck this season. Be looking for simple and inexpensive crafting ideas on Crafty-Cam!

-Coming up on Crafty Cam is "Tasty Turkey Cookies"