London Fog Marshmallows

October 14, 2016

Recipe by: Julia Davie, Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Marshmallows are squishy and yummy, and just very fun to add to warm drinks at this time of year. What isn't as fun is the ingredients in the average marshmallow though. Have you ever looked at the ingredients list?!

At the top of the list is high fructose corn syrup. Conventionally grown corn is one of the top GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops, which many people do their best to avoid for a multitude of health reasons. Other nasty marshmallow ingredients include non-organic gelatin powder from conventionally raised factory farm animals and artificial color such as Blue #1. Artificial food colourings may contribute to allergies, hyperactive tendencies, and even cancer, all of which are good reasons to avoid them at all costs!

For these reasons, I wanted to make my own marshmallows, and I think they turned out very well! Initially inspired by a recipe by The Wellness Mamma, I made these London Fog Marshmallows a bit healthier by modifying some of the ingredients and amounts she used. While I realize that there is still quite a bit of sugar in this recipe (in the form of honey), I am comfortable with it: my children recognize them for what they are (an occasional treat) and we limit the amount that we eat.

All in all, these were a hit with my kids! These healthy marshmallows are delicious if enjoyed...

as a hot chocolate topping
in s'mores
in London Fog tea lattes (dairy-free, of course!)
in coffee lattes (also dairy-free)
on their own as a treat!

Give them a try, and let me know what you think!

Ingredients

4 tablespoons organic gelatin powder

2 bags decaf organic Earl Gray Tea

1 cup water

1 cup raw honey (support local!)

1.5 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Directions

Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper.
Pour boiled water over Earl Gray tea bags and steep for 10 minutes or longer.
Pour ½ a cup of the strong steeped tea into a small bowl and whisk in gelatin powder until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
Place a small saucepan on the stove. Add the remaining ½ cup of tea along with the honey. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 6-8 minutes.
Remove the honey and tea mixture from the stove and pour into gelatin mixture.
Beat using a hand mixer for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture becomes thick and marshmallowy. Yes, that’s right. I said marshmallowy.
Pour into parchment paper lined pan and smooth immediately.
Leave at room temperature for 4 hours before using clean kitchen scissors to cut into individual marshmallows.
That’s it!

This recipe originally appeared on Julia Davie's nutrition website. Check out some of her other great content!