Marshmallow. Have you ever made it from scratch?  It’s the easiest thing to do, it’s fun, the kids love it and they taste way better than the bought ones!  So there’s four reasons why you should do it this weekend!  Other reasons include: Wagon Wheels.  S’mores.  Rocky Road.

From when I learnt to cook as a young child I can remember whipping up big bowls of marshmallows for school events or just a special treat.  This is the recipe I have used since then.  Most likely it’s an old Everyday Cookery recipe, or perhaps from an old CWA cookbook.  I don’t know the origin, but the truth is it’s probably been handed down for years and years, from one person to the next.

There’s not much to it and only a few ingredients, but the reward is huge!  And when you tell people you made them they will look at you like you just told them the Queen of England was staying at your place for a sleepover and you were going to have a pillow fight.

Marshmallow

3 tbspsns gelatine
200mls cold water
2 1/2 cups sugar
280mls hot water
food colouring
flavouring, if desired but not necessary
2 cups desiccated coconut

Place the gelatine and cold water in a large mixing bowl.  Place sugar and water in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil.  Pour the sugar mixture over the gelatine and whisk until dissolved.  Using electric beaters, beat until the mixture cools and becomes white and fluffy.  Add flavouring and colouring.  Pour into a large greased baking tray and stand until set.  Meanwhile, toast the coconut in the oven on 180C or over a medium heat in a frying pan on the stove.  Allow to cool.  When the marshmallow is set, cut into squares and toss in the toasted coconut.  Serve.