Marshmallows – a quintessential cold-weather treat that comes standard with some a long list of terrible ingredients. Not exactly what I’d like to top a cup of organic homemade cacao with, that’s for sure. These homemade marshmallows have only a handful of simple, whole-food ingredients and are flavored with Young Living peppermint essential oil.

These were so much fun to make and enjoy with the kids. I hope you all enjoy them as much as we have!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of water
• 3 TBSP GRASSFED GELATIN (a wonderful source of protein with a reputation for serious gut-healing)
• 1 cup RAW HONEY
• 1 TSP homemade vanilla extract (recipe below)
• 5-10 drops peppermint essential oil (supports digestion, boosts energy and focus, and relaxes sore muscles)
• a pinch of SEA SALT (full of essential trace minerals)
• (optional) 1/8 cup each of powdered cane sugar & arrowroot powder mixed to give powdery finish
• (optional) natural RED FOOD COLORING

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARSHMALLOWS

1. Line a baking dish (8×8) with parchment paper and grease very lightly with coconut oil.
2. Stir 3 TBSP grassfed gelatin into 1/2 cup water inside a mixing bowl and allow to bloom as you continue onto step 3.
3. Over med-high heat, boil 1 cup raw honey, 1/2 cup water and pinch of salt until it reaches a temperature of 240 degrees. Remove from heat.
4. Slowly pour honey mixture into the mixing bowl with the bloomed gelatin and stir slowly to incorporate. Increase speed to high and mix until it just becomes thick and fluffy (but not too thick).
5. Add 1 TSP vanilla extract, 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil, and natural food coloring (if using). For a mild peppermint flavor, use 5 drops, for a breathmint strength flavor, add a full 10 drops. I added a full 10 drops and one marshmallow gave a lovely sweet, minty flavor to hot cacao. This may be a little strong for some though.
6. Spread mixture into greased pan and allow to sit in fridge for at least 4 hours.
7. Remove from pan, cut into 1×1 inch squares and coat with the 1/4 powdered cane sugar/arrowroot powder to finish, if desired. (To make my powdered sugar, I placed 1/8th of a cup of raw sugar into my Vitamix and turned it on high until it became powder.) You will have leftover dusting powder, which can be reserved for the next time you make marshmallows.
8. Top your hot cocao with one or two and CHEERS! Enjoy!

*You could add in a few capsules of probiotics when you add the vanilla extract to increase the gut-supporting properties of these delicious treats. Young Living’s Life5 probiotic is an excellent choice!

Please store your marshmallows in the refrigerator and use within 5-7 days to ensure freshness. They also freeze wonderfully if you don’t think you’ll use them all right away!

TO MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT, CLICK BELOW.