Homemade Marshmallows

I made these about a week ago and they're really fun! Garrett loved them!

2 1/2 T. unflavored gelatin
1/2 c. cold water
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c. water
2 T. vanilla

Whisk together gelatin and water. Let stand 30 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients, except vanilla, in a small, heavy saucepan; place over low heat, and stir until sugar dissolves. Wash down side of pan with a wet pastry brush. Turn heat to high. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees. Immediately remove from heat. Slowly pour syrup into soft gelatin with mixer on low. Increase to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume (about 15 minutes). Add vanilla; beat to incorporate. Generously dust a 9X12 inch glass pan with powdered sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture unto pan. Dust top with powdered sugar; with wet hands, pat it smooth. Dust with more powdered sugar; let stand over night, uncovered. Turn out onto board; cut with a hot, dry knife unto 1 1/2 inch squares and dust with more powdered sugar.

**If you want to get fancy, you can dip them in melted chocolate, add some food coloring, or flavor them with a little peppermint extract. YUM!