Homemade hot cocoa and marshmallows

Marshmallows

Ingredients:
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
water
3 c. granulated sugar
1 1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

powdered sugar for slicing

Directions:
-In large saucepan over medium high heat, combine 3/4 c. water, sugar, corn syrup and salt.
-Meanwhile, in bowl of stand mixer place 3/4 c. water and sprinkle gelatin on top, let plump.
-Bringing sugar mixture to boil, place candy thermometer in middle of mixture, making sure not to touch the side or bottom of the pan and let keep a rolling boil until mixture passes 235 degrees, about 3-5 minutes.
-With mixer on low, carefully pour sugar mixture into mixer bowl and slowly raise beater to high speed.
-Beat sugar mixture on high for five minutes and then add vanilla. (If you'd like to add other flavors here like peppermint, color, or cocoa powder for chocolate, add now).
-Continue beating mixture for an additional 5 minutes.
-Meanwhile, oil a 9x13 pan for large marshmallows or two 10x10 pans for small marshmallows.
-When done beating, pour sugar mixture into pan(s), smooth top and tap to release extra air.
-Leave on counter overnight to form.
-Generously sprinkle working surface with powdered sugar, turn out marshmallow mixture, generously sprinkle with powdered sugar, and cut as desired, lightly coating marshmallow shapes with powdered sugar to avoid sticking.


Easy and Delicious Hot Cocoa Mix

Ingredients:
4 c. vanilla sugar
2 c. Hershey's cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
-Combine all ingredients in large bowl and whisk to combine well.

Directions for serving:
-For cold night: Mix 4 Tbsp cocoa mix to mug, add 1 c. milk and heat in microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.
-For a crowd: Add 3/4 c. cocoa mixture and 1/3 c. water in saucepan over medium heat, boil for 2 minutes, add 4 c. milk, heat back up and serve immediately

Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is about 1 vanilla bean to every 2 c. granulated sugar. You put the sugar in a container, scrape out the innards of the bean, add that and the bean into the sugar and let sit for about 1-2 weeks (I like 2 weeks, but I love vanilla). You can use in anything like granulated sugar.