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1
Spread the container of the decorating sugar evenly over the rimmed baking sheet; set aside.
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2
In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the gelatin and 1/2 cup of the water.
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3
Let stand 25 minutes.
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4
Meanwhile, in a heavy 2-quart saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, sugar, corn syrup and salt.
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5
Stir well, then add food coloring until desired color is reached (this also can be adjusted later).
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6
Cook, stirring constantly, over low to medium-low heat until the sugar has dissolved.
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7
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring often.
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8
Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan.
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9
Reduce heat to medium and boil at a moderate, steady rate, stirring frequently, until the thermometer registers 244 F, about 15 minutes.
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10
Watch carefully to prevent mixture from boiling over.
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11
If necessary, reduce heat to medium-low.
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12
With the stand mixer (with whisk attachment) on low to medium-low, slowly pur the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture.
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13
Increase mixture to high and beat 15 minutes.
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14
Mixture should be thick, white and nearly tripled in volume.
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15
Add the vanilla extract and 1 T water, then beat until combined.
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16
If marshmallow is not the desired color, add additional food coloring and mix until just incorporated.
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17
Spray the wooden spoon with cooking spray, then spoon the mixture onto prepared pan.
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18
Spray the offset spatula with cooking spray, then use it to spread the marshmallow evenly over the pan in 1/3-1/2-inch thick layer.
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19
Sprinkle a second container of decorating sugar over the marshmallow and use your hands to spread it, coating the marshmallow evenly.
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20
Let stand, uncovered, overnight.
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21
Once the marshmallow has set, use cookie cutters to cut animals from it.
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22
Set them aside, making sure the edges don't touch.
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23
Once all the animals have been cut, discard the scraps of marshmallow, but save the excess sugar in the pan.
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24
Gather the excess sugar in a pile and gently roll the edges of the marshmallow animals in it to coat.
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25
They now can be decorated as desired using the decorating gel.
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26
This will make 16 large animals (yield varies by cookie cutter size).
