Healthy Gut-Supporting Marshmallows: A toddler (& Mom) Favorite!

Hey, beautiful mamas!

I'm super excited to FINALLY dive into a recipe that I've been wanting to share for a while: Healthy Gut-Supporting Marshmallows. The reason I say "finally" is because it took me about 15 tries to nail this recipe. There were plenty of sticky bowls and not-quite-right batches along the way, but I guess, just like anything in life, persistence pays off! So, some encouragement right away- if your first try doesn’t quite look like something out of a gourmet magazine, don’t sweat it. Great things often take a little trial and error, and this is no exception.

But let me tell you! These marshmallows aren't just another treat; they're a game-changer for anyone looking to sweeten up their life without the side of guilt. Made with gut-friendly gelatin and natural sweeteners, they're perfect for keeping everyone happy and healthy.

Why You’ll Love These Marshmallows

Forget those store-bought, filled-with-awful-ingredients marshmallows! Our homemade version is crafted with unflavored beef gelatin, which is a powerhouse for supporting not just gut health but also skin elasticity. We’re skipping the artificial stuff and packing in the good-for-you ingredients. If the word "beef" throws you off, I promise, these marshmallows taste nothing like what you'd expect from something with beef in its name!

What Goes Into These Marshmallows?

Unflavored Beef Gelatin: This is the magic ingredient that not only helps these treats hold their shape but also supports your digestive system.
Raw Honey & Maple Syrup: Sweet, natural, and oh-so-good, these help sweeten the deal without any refined sugars.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, comforting flavor we all crave.
Arrowroot Powder: For a non-stick finish that lets you handle these marshmallows without a mess.

The Real Deal on Gelatin and Your Gut

Gelatin, derived from the collagen found in animal bones and connective tissue, offers a treasure trove of health benefits, particularly for the digestive system. It's packed with amino acids like glycine and proline, which are essential for repairing the intestinal lining and maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier. This is crucial because a healthy gut barrier prevents the leakage of toxins and undigested food particles into the bloodstream, reducing the risk of inflammation and associated health issues.

Also, gelatin naturally binds to water, helping to keep the digestive tract more fluid and improving the passage of food through the intestines. This can alleviate constipation, ensure smoother digestion, and promote regular bowel movements. Its soothing properties also help reduce inflammation in the gut, which can be so beneficial for those suffering from digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux.

This means every time you and your kids munch on these marshmallows, you’re actually supporting your body’s ability to heal and digest—how cool is that?

Making Magic in the Kitchen

Start Simple: Let the gelatin bloom in the water. This step is key for getting the texture just right. Make sure that you use whatever bowl you need - one for your stand mixer or the best one for a hand mixer. You don't want to transfer this mixture once bloomed!
Prep Your Pan: Pull out the arrowroot powder and generously coat the bottom. I also used parchment paper first and then coated that in the arrowroot powder but you can just coat the pan itself. You don't want anything to stick! If you use a bigger pan the marshmallows will be thinner, and a smaller pan - thicker. Up to you!
Heat It Up: Combine water, honey, and maple syrup and bring them to a boil. This mixture is your golden ticket to sweet, sticky perfection.
Whip It Good: Once you pour the hot mixture into the bloomed gelatin, whip it up until it’s fluffy and dreamy. Start slow and then increase the speed. You're looking for the mixture to get white and triple in size! Then add the vanilla.
Set and Slice: Act fast for this part. Quickly spread the fluff into a pan, let it set, and dust with arrowroot powder on the top if you would like. Once they are fully cooled, then, cut into your desired shapes and sizes.

Wrapping Up

From my kitchen mishaps to the final perfect batch, the journey to making these marshmallows has been nothing short of an adventure. Remember, each attempt is a step closer to getting it just right. I found that following this recipe and the directions exactly led to the PERFECT marshmallows. So, embrace the messy, fun part of cooking and bring your littles ones into the kitchen to help!

If you make this recipe- be sure to share and tag me @jessicahaizman I'd love to see your sweet treats and here if you like them!

Here’s to making life a little sweeter and a lot healthier for our families.

xo,

Jess