Gut-Healthy Strawberry Marshmallows

Marshmallows are nothing new. In fact, they were first enjoyed by the ancient Egyptians! Marshmallow root has a wide range of health benefits, supporting everything from gut to respiratory health to skin issues. These homemade marshmallows are both delicious and medicinal. 

Ingredients:

Marshmallows:

• 1 tbsp marshmallow root powder 
• 1 cup organic pure honey -  love this local brand  
• 1 cup filtered or spring water
• ¼ cup grass-fed + finished gelatin powder
• Fresh vanilla or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Dash of Ceylon cinnamon (optional!)

Strawberry jam:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 lemon, squeezed for it's juice
• 2 tbsp monkfruit sugar (optional)

Strawberry jam directions:

1. Wash your strawberries thoroughly. Opt for organic strawberries as non-organic are heavily sprayed.
2. Slice the strawberries and add into a pot.
3. Squeeze one lemon for its juice into the pot of strawberries.
4. Add in 2 tbsp monkfruit sugar if using.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium and cover. Open to stir frequently. After about 5 or so minutes, you can start to easily mash the strawberries. You may choose to leave your jaw a bit chunkier, or, preferably, you can transfer it to a blender to blend into a smooth jam.
6. Transfer the mixture to a tupperware and let cool.

Marshmallow directions:

1. First, combine your cup of filtered or spring water and marshmallow root in a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Let sit and cool for 10 minutes. *If using powdered marshmallow root, make sure to strain once cool.
2. Put 1/2 cup of the tea in a blender and the other 1/2 cup back in the pot. 
3. In the pot, add and combine the honey, vanilla, cacao, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and stir constantly, for 5 minutes. 
4. In the blender, add in the gelatin to the marshmallow tea and blend on high for 5 minutes.
5. Transfer your honey mixture to the blender. Blend all together for 10-15 minutes, or until you see the mixture has become very thick and gel-like. 
6. Transfer this to one of the following: a coconut oil lined glass pan or tupperware, a parchment paper lined glass pan or tupperware, or into a silicone mold. 
7. Add in the strawberry jam however you'd like. I prefer to layer my jam in, adding swirls for a pretty look.
8. Let this sit on your counter overnight. 
9. In the morning, you will be able to slice your marshmallows into cubes and enjoy!
10. Store in an air-tight container, preferably glass, on your counter top. They will stay good for about 1 week, but always check to make sure no mold has grown.