Healthy Marshmallows

The other night I had a dream I made marshmallows and put marshmallow root in them. This stuck a cord with me and I decided that on my next day off, I would make marshmallows!

This recipe uses marshmallow root powder, which is traditionally used for its soothing and protective properties, particularly for the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and may help with coughs, sore throats, skin irritation, and digestive issues.

I also decided to use honey instead of sugar to help make this recipe more nutrient dense. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon marshmallow root powder
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup gelatin
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper, leaving some on the sides to be able to pull up. You can also dust powdered sugar on the bottom of your parchment .
• 1 cup of warm water with the marshmallow root and set aside for 5 minutes (or as long as overnight in the fridge).
• Stir well and strain. Make sure that the liquid makes a whole cup.
• Pour ½ cup of the prepared marshmallow root infusion into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the gelatin. Whisk slightly to incorporate and set aside.
• Pour the other ½ cup of water (or marshmallow root infusion) and 1 cup of honey, and cocoa powder if using, into a small saucepan and whisk to combine.
• Slowly bring the water and honey mixture to a boil while stirring. If you have a kitchen thermometer you want it to reach at least 240°F
• Turn on the mixer with the liquid/gelatin mixture to medium speed and whisk while slowly pouring the honey/liquid mixture into the mixing bowl. 
• Once the honey mixture is added, turn the mixer to high and whisk for another 10-15 minutes or until it forms a stiff cream. It should form soft peaks like marshmallow cream
• Add vanilla extract
• Once marshmallows are whipped, pour them into the lined/greased dish and smooth out evenly. Damp fingers work well for this. Lightly done with powdered sugar.
• Let rest for at least 4 hours (overnight is better).
• Flip onto a cutting board and cut with a well-oiled pizza cutter or knife.
• Store in an airtight container on the counter.