Do you enjoy having Marshmallows

in your hot cocoa, or do you make your own chocolates for your family? Here’s a recipe sure to please! It’s processed sugar free and actually good for you, too!

This is a favorite in my home… I’ll be making these on Halloween! It’s a tradition in our home since we do not to eat processed sugar, to have an alternative. Then we allow our littles to eat all they want before the festivities begin, hopefully they will choose not to eat so much of the processed sugary treats traditional to Halloween. Grease a cookie sheet with coconut oil then line with parchment paper – allowing a little to hang over for handles for lifting out of the pan. Lightly grease parchment and sprinkle with powdered coconut or coating of your choice. I don’t always do the sprinkle. Set aside. Place ½ c of the water into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle gelatin into the water. Stir well to remove lumps. Allow to set about 5 minutes to absorb liquid. Meanwhile, pour the remaining ½ cup water, maple syrup or honey, and salt in a heavy saucepan on medium heat. Bring mixture to boil for approx. 12 minutes or until mixture reaches 242-245 degrees (firm ball stage on a candy thermometer). Do not exceed 245 degrees or marshmallows will be ruined. I have found, when boiling on medium heat, it actually takes very close to 12 minutes to reach the proper temperature. VERY SLOWLY pour the hot mixture in a thin stream into the gelatin while mixing on medium speed until all ingredients are well incorporated. If it combines too quickly it will ruin the gelatin, so take your time on this step. When all is incorporated, turn mixer to high and beat for about 8 minutes or until mixture resembles marshmallow fluff. Transfer to the greased pan. Smooth out the top with a rubber spatula and if desired, add a layer of your chosen coating. Mixture will be VERY thick and may require creativity and speed to get it poured into your prepared pan. Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours until they have set up. Remove from pan using parchment handles and cut with a sharp knife. Store in airtight container. I cut small pieces and put into silicon molds with chocolate and peanut butter. You can also make Turtles by putting roasted nuts on a small slab of Marshmallows and pour chocolate over it. Do this on a tray that you can put into the freezer to set the chocolate.

And just for the record… here’s the recipe I use for chocolate!