Candy that touches my {candy corn} heart.

It’s that time again!

Holiday-themed food time.

{applause}

And what better way to kick off our month of Valentine’s Day treats

than to make homemade candy?!

I never thought making candy would be so fulfilling to my soul.

But I spent almost 4 hours in the kitchen yesterday making candy

with the biggest smile on my face.

I think I could have spent all day forming hearts out of marshmallows

without a care in the world…

There is something so satisfying about

kneading dough in your hands and watching it go from a white ball of nothing,

to a colorful string of three,

into these incredible heart-shaped candies

that make my heart melt every time I see them.

Is that weird that homemade candy makes me swoon?

Homemade Candy Corn Hearts Recipe

Adapted from Candy.about.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 bag of Dandies vegan marshmallows
• 1 Tb water
• 2 c. powdered sugar
• food coloring (I used Fuschia and Light Pink)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat Dandies in the microwave with the water in a bowl for 2 minutes. Stop after 1 minute and stir; each 30 seconds after, stop and stir until marshmallows are melted and smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar in 1/2 c. at a time and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. At about 1 c. you might have to start using your hands to mix in sugar (You want a dough to form and not be sticky). Knead dough in bowl. Separate into 3 equal pieces: 
3. Add a few drops of food coloring in 2 of the dough balls (whatever colors you want), leaving one dough ball untouched with color.
4. Combined food coloring into the dough by kneading it initially, then twisting it in half (like you are ringing the water out of a cloth) multiple times until color is smooth and uniform.
5. Half each dough ball, rolling it between both hands until it forms into a long piece of dough string. Place on parchment paper and continue to roll it out until desired length/thickness occurs. Place each color piece parallel to each other.
6. Take a rolling pin and *gently* roll over to press the three doughs together (you might even need to take your fingers and press the outside 2 doughs towards the middle to ensure a nice form). If you are having dificulties with the dough strings sticking together, simply put a srop of water on your finger, and touch the inside of the dough and light press the doughs together.
7. Take a knife and cut out triangles.

If you want to make hearts, just cut a small, slight triangle on top and using your fingers, gently smooth edges:

Or just keep the classic candy corn shape:

I think I am going to warm up my good arm,

take these candy corn hearts by the handful, and start chucking them

as far as I can throw them,

in hopes that they reach Greg over in Maine.

It’s a bummer that I spent more time in the outfield,

practicing my newest tap dancing moves

than working on improving my softball talents.

With my skills, I’d be lucky if the candy reaches 5 feet in front of me.

{Without dislocating something on my body}.

Sorry Buddy.

I tried.