The best part of camping - Marshmallows

Did you know that you can make marshmallows?!?  You can!  We have been doing it for years.  When our daughter was diagnosed with food allergies and sensitivities to food dyes, I was pretty unphased until I flipped over the package of marshmallows.  NOOOOOOO.... WHY?!?  Why must something so white and fluffy and pretty and yummy contain food dyes?!?  Since then our view on food has changed quite a bit and I realize marshmallows are not the healthiest thing on the market to begin with, but marshmallows are an essential part of family camping trips.  So, determined to maintain family camping traditions, I started researching how to make marshmallows.  We learned it's actually quite easy and FUN to make your own creations.

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of water (divided)
3 TBSP gelatin
1 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
optional - Young Living Vitality essential oils (ex: Peppermint Vitality, Orange Vitality)
optional - toppings of your choice (coconut chips, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, etc.)


DIRECTIONS:
1.  In a large mixing bowl add 1/2 cup of water and 3 TBSP of gelatin.
2.  On the stove bring 1/2 cup of water, 1 cup of honey, 1 tsp of vanilla, and 1/2 tsp of salt to a rolling boil.
3.  Boil, stirring frequently, for about 6 minutes.
4.  Add slowly to the gelatin water (which by now the water should have absorbed the gelatin and be a thick gel) and mix on low (being careful not to splatter any because it is HOT!).
5.  Increase speed to high and mix for about 10 minutes (it will become like marshmallow fluff).  If you would like to flavor your marshmallows, you can add a few drops of Vitality essential oils at this time.  Peppermint Vitality or Orange Vitality are two of our favorite flavors.

6.  Pour into an 8x8 pan coated with parchment paper.

7.  Let sit and dry for about 8 hours.  Slice with a plastic knife.  You can roll it in cocoa powder, coconut flakes, or a topping of your choice.

You can also get creative with this recipe.  We like to make marshmallow pies by layering ingredients, like crushed coconut chips, the marshmallow fluff, and chocolate chips.