Marshmallows

Marshmallows
4 packets unflavored gelatin (3 Tbsp.)
1/3 cup cold water
3 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch

     In a small bowl combine the gelatin and 1/3 cup cold water.  Set aside for 10 minutes. 
     In a very large pot dissolve the granulated sugar and 1 1/2 cups water over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until it makes a syrup, about 10 minutes.
     Add the gelatin which has absorbed the water in the small bowl, stir it into the syrup and bring to a steady boil over medium heat, without stirring.  You do not want to have this mixture at a rolling boil, just small simmering bubbles.  This is a soft ball stage of candy making. Watch it carefully!  The bubbles have a tendency to rise!  You may need to adjust the heat occasionally to keep it from overflowing if you did not use a big enough pot. ( I do this often which is why I give this warning! :)) Let is simmer for 15 minutes. 
    Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down to lukewarm temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
    Pour the mixture into a mixer bowl.  Using a whisk attachment, turn the mixer on high and let it beat the liquid until it turns white and very, very thick, like the consistency of the marshmallow cream that comes in a jar.
     Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray.  Pour the white marshmallow cream into the pan.  Set aside to set up, approximately 20-30 minutes.
     In a small bowl combine the powdered sugar with the cornstarch with a whisk.  Using a sifter, sift over the top of the marshmallow in the pan.  Sift some onto a cookie sheet or cutting board.  Turn the pan over onto the dusted surface and ease the marshmallow onto it.  Dust the top of the marshmallow, which was the bottom in the pan. Using a pizza cutter cut the marshmallow into squares.  The squares will appear to still be stuck together but as you pick them up and pull them apart, they easily pull apart into the nice squares you cut.  For easy storage, put the marshmallows in a ziploc bag with a little of the sugar/cornstarch mix and shake the bag to coat them.