Is there any food combination more delectable than chocolate and mint? The mixing of chocolate’s richness with the cool, fresh taste of mint is a match made in heaven, making it a popular pairing in candy, cakes, and ice cream, among other sweets.

And with this recipe for minty marshmallows, you can now can add your own touch of mint to wintertime’s most popular beverage, hot chocolate. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is when these marshmallows’ flavor melts into the chocolate flavor.

Note: The recipe below calls for peppermint and red food coloring, but these can be replaced with another mint flavor and color to suit your tastes.

Makes 24 marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray, and dust the bottom with about ½ cup confectioners’ sugar.
2. Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and ½ cup of water in a bowl, and microwave on high for 12 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through.
3. Combine the remaining water in a mixing bowl with the gelatin, let sit for 5 minutes, and gradually beat hot syrup mixture into the mixing bowl.
4. Beat for 8 minutes on medium-low. Increase the speed to medium-high, and beat for an additional 10-12 minutes or until mixture is fluffy, shiny, and three times larger.
5. Mix in the extract, and spread marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan.
6. Add food coloring to the top of the marshmallow, and swirl with toothpick. Sift about 2 tablespoons of the confectioners’ sugar to cover the top.
7. Let stand at room temperature overnight, or refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Cut marshmallows into bite-size squares, or use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. Toss on the remaining confectioners’ sugar to coat.