Bourbon Marshmallow & Bacon S'Mores

Homemade marshmallows have to be one of my favorite things to make. They seem so decadent, but are really very simple. These Bourbon Marshmallows were ridiculously good, and I'm pretty sure you shouldn't eat too many and drive. S'mores are a beautiful dessert that recall memories of camping, the smell of a  bonfire, and perhaps the innocence of childhood. It's the perfect dessert. As if the bourbon wasn't enough to make these s'mores AWESOME, we put bacon on them. Woah. The bacon craze has been full swing for some time now, but if your still not jumping on the bandwagon this is the perfect starter dessert.

Bourbon Marshmallows:

Adapted from How Sweet it Is

3 1/2 envelopes unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup cold bourbon

1/2 cup cold water

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 egg whites

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Method:

Oil a 9 x 13 baking pan and coat with powdered sugar. 

With an electric mixer mix water and gelatin on low using the whisk attachment. Let the water & gelatin sit while you heat the sugar mixture.

In a medium pot combine sugar, bourbon, syrup and salt. Heat over low heat and whisk until sugar is dissolved. (About 3-5 Minutes) Turn heat up to medium and let sugar come to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for 8-12 minutes, until it reaches 240 degrees F. 

Once the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, take off heat and gently pour into the gelatin mixture with the mixer on low. Turn the mixer to high and beat for 6-8 minutes. 

Use a separate bowl to beat the egg whites. If you don't have a hand mixer, clean the whisk attachment before whipping the egg whites. Once stiff peaks form add the egg whites and vanilla to the sugar/gelatin mixture and beat until just combined. 

Pour marshmallow mix into the pan. It will be very sticky and you will need a spatula that has been sprayed with non stick spray to smooth the marshmallow top. Dust powdered sugar on top and let sit between 3-5 hours, until firm. Once firm, turn the pan upside down (you may have to loosen the edges). Cut the marshmallows in whatever shape and size you like. 

Mmmhmm. I may have to make these again this weekend, gosh they were good.