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You are here: Home / Recipes / Dessert / Candy / Marshmallow Peeps

Marshmallow Peeps

March 31, 2011 Updated July 22, 2017 14 Comments

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Last week my daughter and her husband celebrated their upcoming anniversary by taking a trip to Cancun.  The plan was for me to have the grandkids for 4 days.  I would then take them to their other grandma’s house where they would stay for another 4 days.

 No problem.  I had four kids.  I’ve got this motherhood thing down.  Piece of cake.
Three kids, ages 7,4 and 2.  Luke, Emi and Cosette.  
Day 1:  Today we are going to make some Easter Marshmallow Peeps.  Won’t that be fun?
Emi:  Grandma, I don’t ALWAYS have to say please.
Grandma:  I think you do.
Emi:  I will today, but I’m NOT tomorrow
Grandma:  Fair enough.
I can’t remember a thing beyond this conversation
Day 2:  Today we are going to make some Easter Marshmallow Peeps.  Won’t that be fun?
Luke:  Can we just do crafts?
Emi:  Grandma, you’re NOT in charge of what I wear
Grandma:  You’re right.  Aunt Tiffany is.  And she say’s you can’t wear that.
Emi:  Grandma. You are only in charge of me until Aunt Tiffany comes…then she is in charge
Grandma: Deal.
Who takes three kids to Costco?  Answer:  Idiots!
Uncle Ryan comes home from college to play with the kids…BLESS YOU.

After dinner:  Emi starts cleaning the floor with Clorox wipes.
Emi:  Grandma, look and this huge mess Luke made with his food.
Grandma:  Wow!  That is a mess.
Emi:  He (Luke) eats like a beaver…a dam beaver (I’m in trouble)…you know like the beaver’s that build a dam. (Whew, saved)

Day 3:  Today we are going to make some Easter Marshmallow Peeps.  There is a boy in our neighborhood who has been sick and in the hospital.  We can take him some Peeps.  Won’t that be fun?
Uncle Ryan takes Luke to an arcade.
Emi:  Grandma.  Where’s my blankey?  Where’s Cosette’s blankey?
Grandma:  Oh they’re in the wash.  They were getting so dirty.
Emi & Cosette:   (sobbing)  I want my blankey, I want my blankey
Phone rings.  It’s Aunt Tiffany.
Tiffany:  Hi mom.  I just scratched someone’s car pulling into a parking stall.  What should I do?
Emi & Cosette:  WAAAAAAAAAAA
Dishwasher suddenly starts spewing water all over my wood floor.
Uncle Ryan returns from the arcade.  Luke is crying.
Grandma:  What’s wrong with Luke?
Emi & Cosette:  WAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
Uncle Ryan:  I think Luke has an ear infection.
Take “blankey’s” out of the drier.  Girls stop crying.  Call Pediatrician.  Take Luke to the doctor.
Ear infection AND bronchitis.

Tiffany comes home from Rexburg, Idaho to see the grandkids…with a boy…a boyfriend?
Prepare 4 different meals. One for Luke, one for Emi, one for Cosette, one for everyone else.

Husband that never reads this blog:  (home from work)  What can I do to help?
Grandma:   Take me out to the backyard and shoot me!

Dishwasher still spewing water.

Tiffany wants to create a treasure hunt for the kids.
Tiffany is taking way too long.  Emi is getting impatient.

Emi:  (yelling up the stairs impatiently)  Tiffany!  What is taking so long?
Tiffany: (sweetly) We’re almost done.
Emi:  I am tired of waiting.  You are ruining MY LIFE.  MY PERFECT LIFE!  (she’s 4)

11:45 p.m.  Finally everyone is in bed.

Day 4:  Today we are going to pack up ALL of your clothes and toys and go stay with your other Grandma.
Won’t that be fun?

One week later:

Today I’m going to make some marshmallow peeps.  Won’t that be fun?

Homemade marshmallow is really simple to make.

You will need sugar, light corn syrup, 3 pkg. powdered gelatin, water and salt.

A close up of the gelatin packages.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, add 1/2 cup of the water.  Sprinkle the gelatin over the water.

Let this mixture sit while preparing the syrup.

In a medium size sauce pan, pour in remaining 1/2 cup of water.

Add the sugar.

The corn syrup.

Stir mixture together and place over medium-high heat.

Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 4 minutes.

Remove the lid.  The mixture will be boiling rapidly.

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and cook the mixture to 240 degrees.

Using the whisk attachment, turn the mixer on and pour the hot syrup down the sides of the bowl.

Let the mixture to continue to beat for 13-14 minutes.

Meanwhile.

You will need 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of confectioners (powdered) sugar.

Mix the cornstarch and powdered sugar together in a small bowl.

You will need to spray a baking sheet with a non-stick spray.  I used a 12 x 17-inch baking pan.

Sprinkle some of the cornstarch mixture over the non-stick spray.  Be sure to cover the sides of the pan.

Feel the bottom of the bowl.  It should be barely warm.  At this point add the vanilla.  Beat for another minute.

The marshmallow will be very thick.

The marshmallow will ribbon off of the beaters.  It sets up very fast so now you have to work quickly.

I drop a couple of drops of oil into my hands and oil every utensil that touches the marshmallow because it is very sticky.  Oil a rubber spatula to scrape the marshmallow out of the bowl.

I lightly oiled the metal spatula also.

Obviously you can see how quickly the marshmallow set up and you can see that I had a difficult time getting the marshmallow to be smooth on top.  I’m sure your marshmallow will look prettier than mine.

Let set for at least 4 hours or over night.

NOTE:  I used a 12 x 17-inch baking sheet.  I wish I would have used a jelly roll size pan so that the marshmallow would have been thicker…next time.

Wouldn’t you know that I just happen to have these cute little cookie cutters.  I purchased them from “Martha  by mail” pre-prison.  I’ve had them for years.  I’m going to use the bunny and the little chick.

lightly oil your cookie cutters because this stuff sticks to EVERYTHING.

I like to take the marshmallow out of the pan and place on my counter or a cutting board.  It’s just a little easier to cut out the shapes.

Now the bunnies.

The marshmallow is no longer sticky, which makes it necessary to lightly brush the tops, sides, and bottoms of the cut outs with with a small amount of water.

Sprinkle the marshmallow cut out with sugar.

Don’t forget the sides.

Place the peeps on a wire rack to set.  The sugar will harden a bit onto the marshmallow.  I let these little guys sit for about an hour.

I’m doing pink and lavender bunnies.  I don’t know how the red sugar got into the pink sugar??
Oh well.

Let the bunnies set for an hour as well.

The little critters need eyes.  I just used some mini chocolate chips.  I turned on my burner and let the plate get warm.  Then I held the bottom of the chocolate chip on the hot burner to melt it a bit.  It worked the eyes stuck.

I packaged up the little peeps in a small cellophane bag with a little Easter basket grass then tied with with a bow.  Not too bad.  They’re kind of cute.

They were very easy to make.  I have no idea why I could not pull this off with 3 darling little angels.  I think parenting is for those in their 20’s & 30’s.

I did succeed at teaching the kiddies to do some awesome “head banging” in the car to Usher, Flo Rida, Bieber and more…is that bad?

I think this could be a fun Easter activity with your family.  If you’re not a looser grandma like me, you could probably have a fun day with your grandkids making Easter Marshmallow Peeps…won’t that be fun?

Homemade Marshmallow
·         3 packages unflavored gelatin
·         1 cup ice cold water, divided
·         12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
·         1 cup light corn syrup
·         1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
·         1 teaspoon vanilla extract
·         2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
·         2 tablespoons cornstarch
·         Nonstick spray
Directions
Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.
In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.
Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.
For regular marshmallows:
Combine the confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.
When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners’ sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
For marshmallows Peeps:
Lightly oil small cookie cutters.  Cut shapes out of the marshmallow.  Lightly brush shapes with a few drops of water.  Brush the sides, front, and back.  Roll in colored sanding sugar.  Place shapes onto a wire rack.  Allow to set for at least an hour before handling.
To my Dearest Daughter,
  Next time you decide to go to Cancun in March, I will be happy to watch your children…on the beach…in Cancun…next to you.

To my unmarried sons,
I’m not going to pressure you to get married any more.  I don’t think I can handle more than three grandchildren at a time.

Oh, by the way, my dishwasher is completely dead.

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Filed Under: Candy, Dessert Tagged With: easter, marshmallow, peeps, sugar

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Comments

  1. Martha says

    September 18, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    Looking through the recipe index I ran across this old post. Love it! So Funny! As a fan, I always imagine you in an immaculate, sun drenched kitchen, causally whipping up something new and lovely. Nice to know that this is not always the case. 🙂

    Reply
  2. LambAround says

    June 12, 2011 at 2:47 am

    LOL! Hubby and I are 100% set on having only ONE child after reading this 😉

    I can't wait to make these, Easter or no Easter. Sorry about your dishwasher!

    Reply
  3. Janet@simplysogood says

    April 18, 2011 at 4:51 am

    Hi Whitney. I'm so glad you enjoy my blog. No you don't have to have a candy thermometer. You can do a cold water test. You know that the sugar syrup is about 235-240 degrees when at this temperature, sugar syrup dropped into cold water will form a soft, flexible ball. If you remove the ball from water, it will flatten like a pancake after a few moments in your hand. This should work for you.

    Reply
  4. Whitney Olson says

    April 17, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    Janet, you don't know me, but I came across your blog, and LOVE it! I saw the cute home made peeps you made, and was just wondering if it is completely necessary to use a candy thermometer? I want to try them, but do not have a thermometer.. Let me know! thanks!

    Reply
  5. Janet@simplysogood says

    April 1, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    Oh, Polly, 11 grandkids. You're the amazing one. Oh heaven help me.

    BTW – I am totally addicted to the baked oatmeal too. I make a batch on Monday and eat it for breakfast every day. LOVE IT.

    Reply
  6. Polly says

    April 1, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    OK, this is seriously one of the funniest blogs I ever read. PW has nothing on you! Our 11th grand-child is on the way and we are thrilled, but I sure can empathize w/your 4 days having them 24/7.
    BTW – I am totally addicted to your Baked Oatmeal. Kuddos to you for making homemade Peeps. But it looks like way too much work. You're amazing!

    Reply
  7. Deanna says

    April 1, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    I can totally relate to your experience. When I have my 3 grandkids together, I don't get anything extra done, but I love them so much. I guess that's what Joni, Julie, and your cute Charees go through everyday, but I think they have more energy than I do. Thanks for the laugh.

    Reply
  8. Rob and Heather says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    That made me laugh, thanks!!!! You are so funny. What a FUN FUN FUN grandma. I have to laugh when I hear of things my mom wants to do when she's got her grandchildren. haha

    The peeps are darling. I love your blog!

    Reply
  9. runSUErun says

    April 1, 2011 at 4:45 am

    Janet … Would you please quit ruining Emi's life! And Tiff, don't worry about the car … No biggie!

    Reply
  10. Janet@simplysogood says

    April 1, 2011 at 1:09 am

    Correction made darling daughter, you accidentally knicked someone's car. Your timing was way bad. How would you know?

    Reply
  11. The Darling Daughter says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:35 pm

    UM, excuse me miss.. but I think you got one thing wrong. I didnt back up into "ANOTHER" car. It was my first time ever doing anything like that!! I panicked!!

    Also, this is the funniest blog I have ever read in my life. Im in the library…trying my hardest not to disturb everyone studying for finals.
    People are looking at me with hatred in their eyes… I go to BYU, isnt everyone supposed to be loving?

    Reply
  12. Janet@simplysogood says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:30 pm

    Never a dull moment with the grandkids. I love them. I have decided that this stuff just doesn't happen to normal people. I'm convinced that it's me! Not the kids…ME!

    I love the Porter kids.

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Oh my your week with the grand kids was much funnier than the exercise lady.
    Love you Kristen

    Reply
  14. Porter Family says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    This looks like tons of fun! The kids will love it! Thanks for the fabulous idea!!! & stop being a weirdo, youre an amazing g'ma and aunt Janet!!! My kids always have so much fun with you!

    Reply

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Janet Barton

Hi I'm Janet and this is where I share my delicious made-from-scratch seasonal recipes that I make at home for my family every day.

I believe cooking from scratch, using unprocessed and whole foods is an important part of healthy eating. My goal is to help you create amazing recipes by providing easy step-by-step photos and instructions.

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