The Stuff of Memories

Every once in a while you have a perfectly normal day, but in that perfectly normal day is the stuff of memories.  Today was just such a day.

Another 8 inches of snow fell overnight, insulating us in perfect silence.  The beauty of the forests dressed in white is awe inspiring, setting the backdrop for a positively Currier and Ives winter day.

After the boys (Knight and Master) headed off to the shop, the children and I got to work on school and cleaning.  We had our chores finished quickly and the school load was light so we thought of a few fun things to do while we watched the snow fall heavily around the house.  Snack and I decided to try our hand at homemade marshmallows since we hadn't done that before, and it sounded like a fun afternoon project.

Freshly cut marshmallows

Next time I'll use a smaller pan so that the marshmallows are thicker

While the marshmallows set up we whipped up a batch of Welsh cakes to have when the guys got home from the shop.  It turned into regular celebration when my parents (my Dad had been plowing snow ALL day) joined us for coffee, tea and Welsh cakes.  Such festivities!!!!

Snack, shoveling away

Snack and Calvin digging a tunnel

In between baking and merry making, the children spent their afternoon digging snow forts and walk ways.

Hot cocoa with freshly made marshmallows

Our perfectly normal day was truly the stuff of memories!!


Homemade Marshmallows

3 T unflavored gelatin powder
1/3 C cold water
3 C granulated sugar
1 1/2 C water
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 C cornstarch
1/3 C powdered sugar

Soak the gelatin in the 1/3 of a cup of cold water in a small bowl and set aside to swell for 10 minutes.

In a large saucepan dissolve the sugar in the 1 1/2 C of water over low heat, stirring constantly.

Add the swollen gelatin and dissolve.

Raise the temperature and bring to a boil.

Boil steadily, but not vigorously, for 15 minutes without stirring.

Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl, or mixer and add the vanilla and beat the mixture until very thick and white.

Spray a 9x13 pan (or 9x9 for taller marshmallows) with non-stick spray and pour the mixture into the pan.

Let set completely - about 2 hours.

Cut into square and dust with the mixture of cornstarch and powdered sugar. *

* I found it easier to use a dough cutter to cut the marshmallows rather than a knife.  Super easy with no mess!




Welsh Cakes

2 C flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
pinch salt
1 C butter, cold
1/2 C sugar
2/3 C currents (optional)
2 eggs
4 T milk

Whisk together the dry ingredients (except sugar).  Using a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  Stir in the sugar and currents (if using).

Make a well in the center - add eggs and milk.  Using a fork, mix until the dough comes together.

Roll the dough out until it is the thickness of your little finger.  Cut out with a round, fluted cookie cutter.  Heat griddle (medium).  Spray with cooking spray (or butter), unless you are using a non-stick griddle.

Bake approximately 3 - 4 minutes.  Flip over and cook for another 3 - 4 minutes.  Sprinkle with sugar (or slather with butter and jam).  Serve warm.