Is there anything sweeter than the magic of Christmas baking? The air filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods, the warmth of the kitchen, and the joy of creating festive treats for loved ones. Today, we bring you a delightful recipe straight from Russian Christmas traditions – Marshmallow Zefir Sweets. These fluffy, marshmallow-like confections are a perfect combination of sweetness and lightness, sure to enchant your taste buds and add a touch of whimsy to your holiday celebrations.
Marshmallow Zefir Sweets
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup water
– 2 tbsp gelatin powder
– 1/2 cup corn syrup
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and dusting it generously with powdered sugar. This will prevent the marshmallow zefir mixture from sticking.
2. In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder with 1/2 cup of cold water. Let it sit and bloom for about 10 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
3. In a saucepan, mix together the sugar, corn syrup, and the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the saucepan. Continue to cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency of the zefir mixture, so keep an eye on the temperature.
5. Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes until it reaches 212°F (100°C). This cooling step is important to avoid curdling the zefir.
6. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes thick, glossy, and triples in volume. Add the salt and vanilla extract during this process for flavoring.
7. Working quickly, transfer the fluffy zefir mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula to about 1-inch thickness. Dust the top with more powdered sugar and let it set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Once the zefir has set, use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to cut it into your desired shapes. Dust the cut edges with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
9. Serve your homemade Marshmallow Zefir Sweets on a festive platter or package them in decorative boxes to give as delightful edible gifts to friends and family.
Indulge in the pillowy softness and delicate sweetness of these Russian-inspired treats that are as enchanting to make as they are to savor. Marshmallow Zefir Sweets will surely become a treasured addition to your holiday baking repertoire, spreading joy and deliciousness with every bite.
