Ok - due to the overwhelming email (and comments - wow 2!!)

questions...

Marshmallows...

You mix 3 unflavored gelatin packs with 1/2 cup COLD water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.
Then mix 1 1 /2c sugar, 1 c light corn syrup, 1/4 ts salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Then raise the heat to HiGH and holy - and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.

Then slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin - with the mixer on LOW (be careful - hot stuff here) . Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Then I sprinkled a bit of confectioners sugar in an 9x13 pan - and then dumped the marshmallow batter in the pan (use wet hands to flatten the top and smooth it out)- let it sit for 10-12 hours to dry out a bit. Then I used kitchen shears to cut them into squares and coat with powdered sugar, cocoa or flavored coffee additive.

:) They are sooo fun - but messy.

this is a version of Ina Garten's recipe for coconut marshmallows.

So - there... marshmallows! My thought was - since I was doing presents for under $5 I may as well not just dump those mini marshmallows in a bag...