Look at those little cuties.  I love that they are not perfect because that means the kids were do them by themselves and making it their own sweet little way. I have to admit I was excited to finally get to use my hippo cookie cutter (eek!).

 

The possibilities extend as far as your cookie cutter collection.

 

Use up those superfluous sprinkles that have gathered in your cupboard.

 

The kiddos can dip cutters in cornstarch and squish it down until it can be squished no more. If you have a spray bottle you could spritz the marshmallows so that the sugar coats more evenly, but I was just enjoying the moment and didn’t want to flirt with perfection.

 

The best part of making your own peeps (besides eating the extra marshmallow pieces) is picking your favorite shape…like a hippo.

 

Maple marshmallow recipe adapted from this one:

4 envelopes unflavored gelatin

3 c. sugar

1 c. maple sugar

1/4 c. corn syrup (it can be all maple but I didn’t have enough)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/1/2 c. cornstarch

I’ve found that recipes either call for cornstarch or powdered sugar.  Powdered sugar leaves a more pleasant (read sweeter) effect, while cornstarch can be pretty plain (read tasteless).  However, powdered sugar will eventually absorb moisture and harden, while cornstarch keeps your marshmallows “pillow-y” soft. Bummer for the sweet-tooth crowd, but i guess there is enough sugar in these little fellas already.