Cookies Recipes

by : Stephanie Jaworski

Ingredients:

* 2 cups (200 grams) shredded or flaked sweetened coconut
* 1 cup (240 ml) cold water, divided
* 3 - 1/4 ounce envelopes (21 grams) unflavored gelatin
* 2 cups (400 grams) granulated white sugar
* 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

* Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) and place oven rack in the center of the oven. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, 7 - 10 minutes or until the coconut is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

* Lightly butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch (33x23x5-cm) baking pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Evenly spread half of the toasted coconut onto the bottom of the pan.

* Place 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water into the bowl of your electric mixer that is fitted with a whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let stand until gelatin softens, about 15 minutes.

* Meanwhile, in a heavy two quart saucepan, place the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let boil for about three minutes to allow any sugar crystals to dissolve from the sides of the saucepan. Remove the lid and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Boil, without stirring, until the syrup reaches 240 degrees F (115 degrees C), about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

* With mixer running at low speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture in a thin stream down the side of the bowl. Gradually increase the speed to high and beat until mixture has tripled in volume and is very thick and stiff, about 10 minutes (looks like thick marshmallow cream). Add vanilla extract and beat to combine, about 30 seconds longer.

* Scrape marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and spread with a damp offset spatula or rubber spatula. The mixture is very sticky so just smooth it out as best as you can. Dust the top of the marshmallow with the remaining cup of toasted coconut, gently pressing the coconut into the marshmallow. Let the marshmallow stand, uncovered, at room temperature until set, about 12 hours.

* Remove the marshmallow from the pan by first running a small sharp knife around the edge of the marshmallow to loosen it from the pan. Invert the pan onto a large cutting board. You might have to use your fingers to help loosen the marshmallow from the pan. Peel off the parchment paper and cut the marshmallow into squares using a pizza roller or sharp knife. Carefully dip the cut sides of the marshmallows in confectioners' sugar. Shake off excess sugar and store the marshmallows in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to two weeks.

Makes about 24 - 2 1/2 inch marshmallows.