Yesterday we had our second annual Memorial Day BBQ. We did have a couple of friends join us this year which was very pleasant since Chris usually rabbits off to see his girlfriend as soon as possible and Daniel prefers to stay holed up in the basement with his playstation as much as possible. We grilled ribs and sausages with a recipe by Chris Schlesinger from his cookbook Thrill of the Grill. Jason made some coleslaw from that same cookbook that turned out really nicely and we grill some corn on the cob as well. For dessert I made some marshmallows to use to make s’mores, yum! If you’ve never had a homemade marshmallow then look out, these are absolutely addictive. I’ve found if you haven’t got some nice coals handy then the stove top burner (the gas kind, of course) works beautifully.

Marshmallows

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
cooking spray

Coat a 9 x 12-inch baking pan with cooking spray, line with parchment paper and coat the paper with cooking spray. Combine gelatin and 1/3 cup water in the bowl of a mixer and let soften at least 5 minutes.

Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Allow mixture to boil undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until the temperature registers 238 F on a candy thermometer.

Slowly stream the syrup into the gelatin mixture with the mixer running on low until all of the syrup has been transferred. Gradually increase the speed to high and beat for about 12 minutes or until the mixture triples in volume and becomes white and quite fluffy. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until well incorporated. With a spatula sprayed with cooking spray, spread the mixture onto the surfaced of the coated parchment paper and cool for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Cut marshmallow into shapes with cookie or biscuit cutters as desired by coating them with cooking spray and cutting out. Toss marshmallows in a bit of confectioners sugar to prevent them sticking. After every 4 or 5 shapes you will most probably need to clean and recoat the cutters.

Take Back the Knit 3# is well on it’s way to being published. I’ve contributed my needleroll pattern after sending one to Jae as a RAOK which upon receiving she then asked for the pattern as a contribution. I was really flattered and have been meaning to write it up anyway. Now if I can just get the circular needle pattern into similar shape I’ll be doing well.