So you want to give your friends a spiked gift this holiday. In this, the season of giving, spiked gifts can be the perfect stocking stuffer or friends and neighbors gift option. Most of the liquor infused gifts on the market though, are either too sweet or taste slightly stale. Why not make it yourself? Even if you've never attempted to create a single confectionery good yourself, this is one you can definitely make in your own kitchen.
Allow me to introduce you to my new favorite holiday confectionery delicacy, Brandy Infused Salted Caramel Marshmallows.
What You'll Need:
- 24 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of apple brandy
- 1 cup of salted caramel baking chips
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- Toothpicks
- Baking parchment or waxed paper
How To Make Them:
- Take a toothpick and create a hole in the center of each marshmallow. (Take care to not bore completely through the entire confection, you'll want to leave a bit of enclosure at the base to keep the brandy from spilling out.)
- Using a pour spout, pour apple brandy into each marshmallow. (It's best to do this over a small bowl or tea cup. That way you can keep from wasting any runoff, and ultimately save any spilled liquor)
- Place the infused marshmallows, base down, into a container. If you're on a time crunch, put them in the freezer for 20-25 minutes, then move them to the refrigerator until you're ready to dip them in the caramel. If you're not in a hurry, leave them in the refrigerator over night.
- Melt the salted caramel baking chips - place them into a small bowl with the teaspoon of butter, place it into the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat for 30 seconds each time until stirring creates a smooth liquid-like consistency.
- Keeping the base side up, dip the infused marshmallows into the melted caramel chips.
- Place each marshmallow, after dipping, caramel side up onto a piece of baking parchment or waxed paper so the candy can dry and harden.
These are fantastic for gifts, wonderful in hot cocoa or coffee, are a sumptuous garnish for sweet cocktails, and can satisfy a sweet tooth faster than a slab of peanut brittle. Happy culinary brandy adventures, and, Enjoy!!
Happy Holidays!
