Virginia7074 I have made marshmallows for the last few years. To me it is really fun--it is not a lot of work, but it is messy. It certainly impresses people that you did something so foreign as make marshmallows. They are soooo much better than the store-bought-in-a-plastic-bag-puffed air. Really, really good. They are definitely worth the effort. My recipe and instructions are my compilation of several months of reading and research as well as my experience. I preferred a recipe that did not have any egg whites. This recipe has never gone wrong for me. Marshmallows 3 cups of sugar 1 1/4 cups of light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon of salt 3/4 cup of water 4 packets of unflavored gelatin 3/4 cup of water 2 teaspoons of vanilla In a 2 quart saucepan place 3 cups of sugar, 1 1/4 cups of light corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 3/4 cup of water. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Be careful; the mixture will foam up, and it's very hot. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and cook until the mixture reaches 240 F. Before the sugar mixture reaches 240 degrees, place 3/4 cup of water and 4 packets of unflavored gelatin in the bowl of an electric stand mixer with whisk attachment. Using a spoon, stir to combine, but don't worry if the gelatin doesn't dissolve completely. When the sugar mixture is ready, turn on the mixer at lowest speed and carefully pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture in a stream--don't dump it all at once. When the syrup is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high. (Note: KitchenAids can overbeat; you may want to use speed 8 instead of 10.) Leave the mixer running for 20 to 30 minutes; the mixture will increase in volume and eventually reach the stiff peak stage. It will start to look jagged around the edges of the mixer bowl. While the mixer is running, brush a 9x13-inch pan with vegetable oil. (I have better luck with solid shortening.) For smaller marshmallows, I use a 15x11 jelly roll pan, and for large ones, use a 9" or 10" square pan so they will be taller. When the mixture reaches stiff peaks, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla and mix well. Pour (push, shove) the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Let pan sit out overnight, uncovered (and away from cats and kids). When you're ready to cut the marshmallows, dust the top with confectioners' sugar. (I mix 2 parts confectioner's sugar and 1 part cornstarch to reduce stickiness.) To cut, you may use a sharp knife coated in oil, a good pair of kitchen shears (the kind that come apart for thorough cleaning), or a pizza cutter. (I don't have good luck with the knife. The scissors worked, but I can cut the prettiest squares using a washable ruler and a large pizza cutter--it is still messy. You can also use small cookie cutters.) Cut the marshmallows into manageable squares. How big is manageable? They're easier to eat (less mess from the powdered sugar) if you can pop the whole thing in your mouth, so run a test and see what works for you.

Glassquilt, that is a really beautiful quilt. Thanks so much for posting. Jennifer, what seems like it would be the hardest part is the positioning of the hexagons into an artistic and pleasing pattern. It will be for me anyway. I do have a piece of the fabric for the backing. I'm glad the person at the quilt shop suggested that. Theresa, I had a little too much time on my hands last winter. It's hard being away from your toys for so long. I hope all these quilts keep me busy. I have to get a knitting project to take too for when I don't feel like taking the ironing board and sewing machine out and putting them back.

Oh Carol, thanks for the grin! Yes, I think Winnie The Pooh would thoroughly enjoy this cake! Annie, I took that photo before we (me, DH, and his BFF) dug into it at the restaurant... Oh yeah, I just find it soooooo difficult to eat those experiments! (NOT!) Thanks for the input! I figure I'll make the layers on Tuesday, fill on Wednesday, and tuck into it on Thursday. It's supposed to be good for at least 4 days when it's all finished...or else, it never lasted past that 4th day because it was gone into people's tummies! Smiles, Sooz

I'm interested to see the answer, but I don't think I can trust anything less than chemicals. All I do is burn. I have to have the most water-resistant, longest lasting stuff out there (Bullfrog gel). Here's a link to a recipe. I almost trust it since it has zinc oxide in it. That is great sun blocking stuff.