Marshmallows have been one of the favorite desserts for a long time, but it seems that their delicious taste does not bring health along, as even though they are fat-free, they are loaded with sugar.
Thus, a regular marshmallow has 4 grams of added sugar, and let’s admit it, almost no one eats a single one and leaves the scene!
Hence, a cup of mini marshmallows contains even 29 grams of sugar, which is more than 400 empty calories, even 10 grams over the recommended daily amount!
The excessive intake of sugar raises the intake of calories and leads to various health issues, such as obesity and weight gain.
Moreover, foods rich in sugar are generally poor of free of any healthy nutrients. Also, the more sugary foods you consume, the less room for fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods remains in the diet.
The intake of sugar has been shown to be directly linked to severe long-term health issues, including:
- Insulin resistance and diabetes
- Heart disease
- Inflated cholesterol levels
- Several cancers, such as pancreatic cancer
- Food addictions
- Teeth issues, like cavities
Therefore, we suggest the recipe of these incredibly delicious marshmallows, which are free of the health-compromising sugar. Additionally, they can be prepared in a coconut or chocolate version, according to your preferences.
As soon as you make them, you will no longer buy marshmallows at the store, for sure!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoon gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
Method of preparation:
You should grease a loaf pan a bit, and cover it with parchment paper, and grease it as well. Then, in a medium bowl, or a bowl with a mixer with an attached whisk, pour ¼ cup of water, and add the gelatin over it. Leave it aside to soften.
Then, add another ¼ cup of water, the salt, and honey in a small pot, and place over medium heat. Bring the mixture to 240 degrees, using a candy thermometer. accurate temperature.
You can also test it by dribbling a bit of the liquid into a bowl of ice-cold water, and when cooled in the water, it should be in the candy stage of forming little, soft balls. This temperature is reached in 7-8 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat as soon as you reach the proper temperature.
Now, add the hot syrup to the gelatin mixture carefully, using a hand mixer on low. Pour the hot mixture in a drizzle down the side of the bowl.
Next, add the vanilla, and beat for 12-15 minutes on high speed, in order to get a thick mixture. Then, scrape into the prepared pan and set it aside uncovered, for 4-12 hours, or overnight, in order to dry. Afterward, just cut it into squares, and it is ready to be served.
Cocoa Version: When finished, you can roll the cut marshmallows in cocoa powder.
Coconut Version: You should toast a ½ cup of coconut flakes, unsweetened, and sprinkle half of it on the bottom of the pan. Then, scrap in the marshmallow mixture, and sprinkle again with the other half of the coconut flakes.
Enjoy!
Sources:
www.thenourishinggourmet.com
healthyeating.sfgate.com
authoritynutrition.com
nancyappleton.com
Featured image sources:
foodnetwork.sndimg.com
i.ytimg.com/vi
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