Mint Marshmallows

Any redditors out there? This year I am attempting to complete the "52 week cooking challenge," on Reddit. Each week is a new theme which may be an ingredient, a type of food, or some kind of inspiration.

Last week was appetizers so I made margherita pastry squares, which were so easy and tasty. But this week's theme was mint, and I was a little stumped. I don't really like mint that much, except for in a cocktail. :)

I started thinking candy, and then it hit me...mint marshmallows! All the recipes I found used peppermint extract, but I chose the natural route and used mint leaves. I had never made marshmallows before, but Martha's recipe was really easy. It deserves extra points because I didn't need to buy a candy thermometer.

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

You Need:
Nonstick cooking spray

• 3 (1/4-ounce) packages unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 10-15 mint leaves
• Confectioners' sugar, sifted, for coating

Directions

1. Lightly spray a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Dust pan with powdered sugar, making sure to coat the sides as well; set aside.
   
   
   
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 10 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup,  1/4 cup water and mint leaves. Place saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; boil rapidly for 1 minute. Remove from heat, and strain mint leaves. With the mixer on high, slowly pour the boiling syrup down the side of the mixer bowl into gelatin mixture. Add approximately 5 finely chopped mint leaves into mixture, if desired. Add salt and continue mixing for 12 minutes.*

   

   *Having your beater on for 12 minutes may cause your cat to be really annoying wonderfully curious.
3. Spray a rubber spatula or your hands with cooking spray. Spread gelatin mixture evenly into pan using prepared spatula or lightly wet hands. Spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place, spray side down, on top of marshmallows. Let stand for 2 hours or overnight. 
4. Carefully remove marshmallows from pan. Remove all plastic wrap and discard. Cut marshmallows into 2-inch squares using a sprayed sharp knife. Place confectioners' sugar in a large bowl. Working in batches, add marshmallows to bowl and toss to coat.