Hot Cocoa and Medicinal Marshmallows

There is nothing like a cozy cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows

Of course, the conventional way means a mug of sugar overload, corn syrup made from GMO corn, natural flavors, and a sugar crash at the end. Your family deserves better!

Did you know that marshmallows were once medicinal? They were traditionally made with marshmallow root, and were often given to children when they were feeling ill. These were a far cry from the sugar bombs we find in the store today.

The great news is, these are VERY simple to make at home, but they do require a few ingredients you probably do not have on hand. BUT, don’t fret, because I will tell you where to find them, and once you have them in your pantry, you will be able to make these again and again!

• What you will need for your medicinal marshmallows:

  • Marshmallow root- find it at Azure Standard. Sign up for a FREE account and find a drop location near you! They have an outstanding selection of organic food for your family!

  • Maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener

  • GOOD vanilla extract- not the artificial stuff. I love the Four Fold vanilla from Azure Standard

  • Grass fed beef gelatin- I use the Perfect Supplements brand because it is third party tested and glyphosate free. You can also use it to make gelatin with no sugar, dyes or artificial flavors! (If you buy yours here, use my code MINDFULKIND10)

  • A candy thermometer. While you can technically get away without using one, I find it much easier to use it.

  • A stand or hand mixer (unless you’re using marshmallows as a punishment for your kids, then hand them a whisk and wish them good luck!). I use my stand mixer to make this super easy!

  • A couple kitchen basics such as parchment paper (preferably unbleached), some avocado oil, a glass pan, a pinch of salt, and some corn starch (non GMO, of course- find at Azure Standard) or arrowroot powder

To make your marshmallows:

2 Tbsp marshmallow root
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup honey or maple syrup
2 1/2 Tbsp Perfect Supplements gelatin
Pinch salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Little bit of avocado oil to oil pan
Corn starch or arrowroot powder for dusting

1. In saucepan, add marshmallow root and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and refrigerate until cool (at least a couple hours, this could be done the night before too).

2. Strain marshmallow root from water (should be about 1 cup of liquid). 

3. Pour 1/2 cup of the marshmallow root liquid into your mixing bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the top. Set aside.

4. Prepare your pan by lining an 8x8" pan with parchment paper and gently oil it (this will make for easier release), then sprinkle with corn starch or arrowroot. 

5. Measure 1/2 cup marshmallow root liquid in a saucepan on the stove with honey or maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Put the pot on medium heat and bring to a boil. Let it boil for about 7-15 minutes or until the candy thermometer reaches 240 degrees. Remove from heat.

6. Turn mixer on low and pour the hot mixture in the bowl with the gelatin, trying to pour down the side of the bowl. Add vanilla extract. Mix gently until all the syrup is incorporated, then turn up the settings on the hand mixer until completely high and whip for another 5-8 minutes or until soft peaks form and the mixture turns white. The mixture should be able to hold its shape. 

7. Working quickly, pour into your lined pan. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula and do your best to smooth out the top. Dust with corn starch or arrowroot powder. Let sit for at least two hours.

8 Once it has set, with a knife dipped in hot water, slice the marshmallows (the sides will be sticky for a little bit!). They can be cut into small or large marshmallows. If they are a bit too sticky, use some additional corn starch or arrowroot to dust the sides. These can be stored for up to a week in a covered container.

*You can play around with flavors and add ins too! Azure Standard has other extracts like coconut, almond, peppermint and more! You can also do add ins such as coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, or finely chopped nuts.

**This recipe can also be doubled if you are using it for a crowd!

To make your hot cocoa (recipe can be doubled, tripled, etc!):
Recipe yield: 2 normal servings, or 1 EXTRA LARGE cup of cocoa

2 cups milk of choice (we use raw milk, but conventional, or a nut milk without any fillers is fine too)
3 Tbsp organic cocoa powder
2 Tbsp* maple syrup, or sweetener of choice such as raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, agave, etc
2 scoops Perfect Supplements collagen (optional, but adds protein and collagen!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt
pinch of good cinnamon like Ceylon

1. In saucepan, all ingredients and put over medium low heat. Cocoa powder will not mix in until the milk gets warm, so no stirring necessary at first.

2. When milk starts to steam, grab a whisk, or as an alternative, an immersion blender. Whisk or blend the hot cocoa until all the cocoa lumps are gone. While the immersion blender is not necessary, it makes the cocoa super frothy and extra yummy!

3. Once cocoa has reach desired temperature, turn off heat, and ladle cocoa into mugs. Top with your marshmallows, a sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon and ENJOY!

Interested in more recipes for healthy meals and treats?

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