Easter treats for all my “PEEPS”

Easter is approaching. You know what that means: Yellow Chick PEEPS! Just Born manufactures PEEPS, among other tasty treats. The availability of PEEPS year round is a marshmallow lover’s dream come true! My sister likes to let them sit in their wrappings for a few months until they’re nice and hard. I like them fresh from the package. My bro can down a pack in 45 seconds…probably. At any rate, now you can make your own! They are so easy. Just remember to add the vanilla, as I neglected. I was caught up in the moment of white fluff, that I forget to add it in. Wah.

Makes 2-3 dozen

4 packages unflavored gelatin
3 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sanding sugars

1. Spray a 12×17 inch baking pan (large cookie sheet with a lip) with vegetable oil spray, and line bottom of pan with parchment. Spray parchment, too; set asside.

2. Pour 3/4 cup cold water into bowl of en electric mixer fitter with whick attachment. Sprinkle gelatin over; allow to soften, about 5 minutes.

3. Place granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 3/4 cup water in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Clip candy thermometer onto saucepan; cook until syrup reaches the soft ball stage (about 238F), about 5 minutes.

4. Slowly pour syrup into gelatin; mix on low speed. Gradually increase speed to high; beat until the mixture is thick, white, and has almost triple in volume, about 12 minutes. Add vanilla; beat for 30 seconds to incorporate.

5. Pour the mixture into prepared pan; smooth with an offest spatula or other utensil. Let stand, uncovered, until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight.

6. Invert marshmallow pan onto a Silpat baking mat or another clean work surface; peel off parchment paper. Lightly coat a (copper) cookie cutter with nonstick vegetable-oil spray, and cut out a shape. Even though the mallow stuff feels soft, it’s very strong and gummy. Rub your finger along the outside of the cutter to separate the mallow from the cookie cutter. Pull up and poke out the mallow shape.