Marshmallow Peeps!

Shannon W.'s Note:

You will need a cookie cutter in the shape of a peep for this one, or use a bunny/egg shaped cutter. You can use this recipe year round to make heart shaped peeps for Valentines' Day, tree shaped ones for Xmas, and pumpkin shaped ones for Halloween. The possibilities are endless. I have made this and it tastes great! Try dipping them in chocolate too!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 80

Yield: 80.0 marshma ...

• vegetable oil , for the pan
• powdered sugar , for dusting pan
• 2⁄3; cup cold water , divided
• 2 (2 tablespoon) envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 1 1⁄3; cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• yellow food coloring
• colored crystal sugar , for decorating
• chocolate sprinkles , for decorating

Directions:

1. Line the bottom and sides of a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with plastic wrap.
2. Oil and then liberally dust bottom and sides with some powdered sugar.
3. Place 1/3 cup cold water in a mixer bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the water's surface.
4. In a heavy saucepan with a tight fitting lid, add sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining 1/3 cup water and stir to dissolve sugar.
5. Cover the pan, place over moderately low heat.
6. Remove cover after 4 - 5 minutes. The steam will have caused any sugar crystals to dissolve and the syrup will be bubbling lightly.
7. Increase the heat to high and boil the syrup, without stirring, until it reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
8. Remove from the heat immediately.
9. Slowly and carefully, pour the syrup into the gelatin while the mixer is beating constantly at medium speed.
10. When all of the syrup has been added, increase speed to high and whip for approx 10 minutes until the mixture is lukewarm and very white, and the consistency of marshmallow cream.
11. Add the vanilla extract and a drop or two of food coloring if desired. Mix well.
12. Pour the marshmallow mixture into pan; smooth the top surface and sprinkle liberally with colored sugar.
13. Let the pan stand, uncovered, at room temperature to dry out. Depending on humidity, this may happen in several hours or take up to 8 hours. The longer you let it set, the easier the marshmallow sheet will be to cut.
14. When ready for cutting, invert the pan of marshmallow onto a clean cutting surface; remove the plastic wrap and coat the top with colored sugar.
15. Use cookie cutters to stamp out your peeps (or other shapes) and toss them in a bowl of colored sugar to coat evenly. If the cookie cutter gets sticky, wash it and lightly coat with vegetable oil.
16. Use chocolate sprinkles or melted chocolate to form an eye on peeps.
17. Store the marshmallow peeps in an airtight container.
18. Makes about 80 marshmallows.