Homemade Marshmallow Animals

Spread one container of the coarse decorating sugar over a rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.

In a stand mixer bowl, stir together the gelatin and 1/2 cup water. Let stand 25 minutes.

Meanwhile in a heavy 2 qt. saucepan, combine remaining 1/2 cup water, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Stir well and add food color for desired color. Cook over low heat till sugar is dissolved. Raise heat to medium high and bring to a boil, stirring often.

Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Reduce heat to medium and boil moderately, stirring frequently until temperature reaches 244 degrees F, about 15 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent over-boiling.

With the stand mixer (use whisk attachment), slowly add hot mixture to gelatin mixture on low to medium low speed. Increase speed and beat 15 minutes or until thick and nearly tripled in volume. Add vanilla and one Tbsp water.

Spray a wooden mixing spoon with cooking spray and spoon mixture onto prepared pan. Spray large spatula with cooking spray to smooth mixture in pan into a 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick layer. Sprinkle the second container of the colored sugar over the marshmallow and use your hands to spread it, coating marshmallow evenly. Let stand uncovered overnight.

Once the marshmallow has set, use your cookie animal cutters to cut it. Once all have been cut, discard marshmallow scraps but save excess sugar in pan. Gather the excess sugar in a pile and gently roll the edges of the marshmallow animals in it to coat. Decorate animals as desired with decorating gel or more decorating sugar.