Marshmallow Chicks and Bunnies
Your kids will love helping you make this great Easter recipe! Since there are many different ways of making marshmallow critters at Easter time, here is one of the simpler methods. Get your kids an aporon and let the fun begin!
- 3½ tsp plain gelatin
- ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1¼ cup sugar
- Flavoring and color
- ¾ cup invert sugar
- Colored sugar
1. Using a mixing bowl, soak the gelatin in a ¼ cup of water.
2. Over medium heat, mix the rest of the water, sugar and invert sugar in a saucepan. Do not let the mixture boil.
3. When the mixture is thoroughly heated (should be syrupy), pour it in to the bowl containing the gelatin, beating the mixture slowly.
4. Next, slowly add the corn syrup and vanilla. Continue beating mixture. If using a mixer, place it on medium high. When mixture has doubled in size and is fluffy and white, you are ready to start making your Easter critters. Add any flavoring and color to the mixture before you begin, though.
5. Using buttered Easter molds, spoon mixture into molds and place any decorative candies onto marshmallow. Let it sit for 1 hour before removing them from the molds and rolling the candies in colored sugar. To keep the marshmallow mixture from hardening while you’re putting it in the molds, place the bowl into a larger bowl of very hot water. 6. After rolling candy in colored sugar, let it sit for a few more hours to properly harden before storing in covered containers.
Alternatively, you can use a large pastry bag (at least a ½ inch opening is necessary) to pipe out your marshmallow shapes. Just be sure to use waxed paper underneath. Sprinkle a generous amount of sugar on top of the paper before you start piping out your marshmallow.
TIP: Dust your hands in corn starch or butter up your fingers before you start rolling the marshmallow candies in sugar. It makes it much easier to handle the sticky treats.
