Minnesota

On days like today, when the air temperature is -16 with a high of -3, I feel the need to defend this states better qualities. Here are a few facts about my great state to help justify why I live here despite having to give my life to fate every time I go outside 8 months out of the year.

• Minnesota had one of the highest voter turn outs in the Nation for the 2008 election.
  
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country.
  
• Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline, more that California, Florida, and Hawaii combined.
  
• The first Automatic Pop-up toaster was marketed in 1926 by McGraw Electric Co. in Minneapolis under the name Toastmaster

You can find more facts about Minnesota greatness on the state website.

In honor of the cold winter months, I made a big batch of marshmallows for hot cocoa. I've always found that cocoa can be much improved by this fluffy, sweet confection. If you believe the same, this recipe is a good one to try out. 

Marshmallows 

25g Powdered Gelatin

180g water

300g sugar

240g Lt Corn Syrup

180 g water

flavoring

1 c. powdered sugar

1 c. corn starch

Mix powdered sugar & corn starch. Sift mixture over a 9*13 pan until bottom and sides are covered.

Mix the gelatin and first water in a mixing bowl and allow to bloom.

Meanwhile, heat sugar, corn syrup, and second water on the stove until it reaches 250 degrees. 

With a whip attachment, whip gelatin on medium high for about a minute. Pour hot sugar mixture (while the whip is still going) in a slow, steady stream until it's all in.

Turn the mixer on high and let the sugar whip until the side of the bowl begins to cool. 

This would be the point at which you add your flavoring. I like to use a vanilla bean. 

(You could also add some cocoa powder, cinnamon, almond extract, etc.)

Pour mixture into prepared pan and sift an additional layer over the top of the marshmallows.

Set pan aside for at least 4 hours. Afterwards, cut using kitchen shears into desired sizes.