marshmallows

Did you know you can make them? And that it's not that hard? I never considered making marshmallows (too out there, even for crazy me) until one day Carol mentioned making them when she was a girl, growing up in Angola, Africa. Obviously, they couldn't stop by the local Safeway so they made them at home. Which got me thinking. Sure enough, I found some recipes online and made my first batch a few years ago. (I like Smitten Kitchen's recipe best.) 

On Sunday night, our neighbors invited us over for backyard s'mores, so the boys and I whipped up a batch of marshmallows. They're so good--spongy and springy. I dressed them up a bit with both vanilla extract and vanilla bean.

They are SO good toasted. The edges caramelize and get all crispy, like a crème brûlée top. If you're in the mood for a fun baking project, give these a whirl. They're so much better than Jet-Puffs.