Hot Chocolate with Homemade Marshmallows

For the Marshmallows:

1. Prepare the pan: Lightly brush a traybake pan with vegetable oil and dust it with cornstarch.
2. Bloom the gelatin: In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the gelatin and ¼ cup (60 ml) of water. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes to bloom.
3. Make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice, ½ cup (120 ml) of water, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer without stirring. Boil on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the syrup reaches 119°C (246°F) on a kitchen thermometer.
4. Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of the syrup into cold water. If it hardens immediately, the correct temperature has been reached.
5. Combine the syrup and gelatin: With the mixer on low speed and using the whisk attachment, start mixing the bloomed gelatin. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin in a steady stream.
6. Whip the marshmallow mixture: Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 7-10 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and holds its shape. Halfway through, add the vanilla extract.
7. Transfer to the pan: Work quickly, as the mixture will start to get sticky. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and level it with an oiled spatula.
8. Top and set: Sprinkle with chopped chocolate (white, milk, or dark) or crushed candy canes. Let the marshmallows set at room temperature for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.

For the Hot Chocolate:

1. Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk with the vanilla extract over medium-low heat.
2. Prepare the cocoa paste: In a small bowl, mix the Dutch-processed cocoa powder and cornstarch. Add a few tablespoons of hot milk to the mixture and stir to form a smooth paste.
3. Melt the chocolate: Add the milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips to the hot milk and stir until fully melted. Then whisk in the cocoa and cornstarch paste.
4. Thicken the hot chocolate: Continue to mix over low heat until the hot chocolate thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Optional espresso shot: For an adult version, stir in a shot of espresso coffee.