Today, 16 Thermidor, we celebrate the marsh mallow! The mallow plant typically grows in marshy areas and was originally used medicinally. It has a pale, blush-colored flower and has been consumed by humans since at least the Roman era. Since its earliest mentions, the roots of the plant have been typically boiled with a sweetener.

Today, we’re making pumpkin marshmallows from scratch and then using them for s’mores!

3 packs of unflavored gelatin

1 cup of cold water

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup of pumpkin puree

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp allspice

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

orange food coloring

candy thermometer

First, prepare your pan. Sift together the corn starch and powdered sugar in a bowl. Using a 9×13 pan, line with foil or parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray and then sift the powdered sugar mixture all over, reserving about a third of the mixture. Set aside.

Using 1/2 cup of the water, pour into the bowl of an electric mixer and then add the packs of gelatin. Let this sit while you prepare the rest. In a medium sauce pan, add the remaining half cup of water, the sugar and the corn syrup. Bring to a boil without stirring and insert the candy thermometer. Keep heating until the thermometer reads 240 degrees. Start the electric mixer and *slowly* pour the super hot mixture into the bowl of the mixer. Bring the speed of the mixer up slowly until it is on high. Beat the mixture on high for a good 10 to 15 minutes – until the marshmallow fluff looks shiny and holds together pretty well. At this point, add the pumpkin puree and spices and continue mixing until well-incorporated. If you so choose, add some drops of orange food coloring to the mixture.

Pour the marshmallow fluff into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. You can always spray the spatula with cooking spray to make it less sticky. Sift the rest of the powdered sugar mixture over the top of the marshmallows and let rest for at least over night. The next day, you will find the mixture has firmed up nicely and you can cut the marshmallows in whatever shape you desire. Enjoy!