Want to feel fancy with your hot cocoa? Try out a simple recipe to for homemade marshmallows that is not only corn syrup free (and thereby healthy right?), but also frugal and perfect to even give as gifts with homemade cocoa mix!
Obviously it’s super simple to go to the store and buy a bag, but I promise you can also make your own marshmallows! This recipe doesn’t require a candy thermometer and it’s also corn syrup-free.
If you want to get creative, you can add food colorings or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. You can also make them great for gift giving by dipping them in chocolate or rolling them in toasted coconut or nuts (or use them in a fondue party!).
Note: This was actually my first time making marshmallows and it was way easier than I thought it was going to be (and less messy, too).
Homemade Marshmallows Recipe:
Ingredients
- This recipe is adapted from Kitchen Frau's Old-Fashioned Homemade Marshmallows recipe.
- 1/2 cup water, divided
- 1 packaged gelatin envelope (such as the Knox brand)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil, for greasing the pan
- powdered sugar to dust the pan and to coat the marshmallows, about 1 cup
Directions
- Pour 1/4 cup of the water into a bowl with the gelatin. Stir it with a fork and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it's thick and about the consistency of applesauce.
- While the gelatin mixture sits, heat the sugar and remaining 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the gelatin mixture to the pan and bring it to full, rolling boil (until it's foamy-looking and the bubbles can't be stirred down).
- Let it boil for 2 minutes and remove it from the heat. Let it cool for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla and salt and add the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixture (with the whisk attachment attached).
- Beat it on high for about 8 minutes until it's thick and tripled in volume.
- While the mixer is running, prepare a cookie sheet by rubbing the oil with a paper towel all over the surface (including the corners and sides). Sprinkle some powdered sugar on the pan and shake it until the pan is coated, then tap the excess sugar out.
- When the marshmallow has finishing beating, use a spatula to pour it out into the prepared pan. Spread it into an even layer and use a wet spatula to smooth out the top.
- Allow the marshmallow to set at room temperature overnight.
- Use a pizza cutter (or a knife) dipped in water to cut the marshmallow into squares. If you notice the cutter sticking, dip it in water again.
- Toss the cubes in powdered sugar and shake off the excess. Let the marshmallows set again, about 3 hours (to dry out the water used to cut them).
- Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Need some new pots and pans? Through today only, get the Food Network 10-piece Ceramic Cookware set on sale for $79.99 at Kohl’s.
Plus, get $10 back on Kohl’s Cash and triple Yes2You Rewards! That’s make it only $64.99!
You can also get a Cooks Ceramic 12-piece Ceramic Cookware set for $79.99 shipped at JCPenney.
Choose store pick up to
Deal Idea
Buy:
(1) Food Network 10-piece Ceramic Cookware Set, $99.99 (reg. $129.99)
Use:
code SNOWDAY for 20% off
Total Due: $79.99
Get Back:
-$10 Kohl’s Cash
-100 Yes2You Rewards (=$5)
makes it $64.99
Deal ends today
See more household deals!
Starting today at CVS you can put the new P&G coupons from the newspaper to work and get a sweet deal on hair care, toothpaste, and dish soap! Grab 6 items and get them all for 74¢ each after coupons and rewards!
There is also another deal idea for just Herbal Essences if you have a store coupon for hair care. Head over and see that one.
CVS Deal (thru 3/2):
- $5 ECB wyb $20 any of these P&G products Limit 1 –
Buy:
(2) Herbal Essences Bio:Renew, 12.5 oz, $5.99
(2) Crest Pro-Health or 3D White Toothpaste, 3.5 oz, $2.99
(2) Dawn Dish Soap, 8 oz, 99¢
Use
-B1G1 Herbal Essences bio:renew product, up to $6, limit (2) like coupons, PG 02/24
(2) -$2 off Crest toothpaste 3 oz+, limit (2) like coupons, PG 02/24
(2) -.25/1 Dawn Ultra 7 or 8 oz, limit (2) like coupons, PG 02/24
Total Due: $9.45
Get Back: $5 ECB
–like getting it all for $4.45 or 74¢ each
Oreo fans don’t forget to play their instant win game online! Through 3/16, enter the OREO The Stuf Inside Game and you’ll have the chance to win gift cards, OREO cookie coupons, and more.
To play you’ll need an Oreo Cookie that the computer will scan (using the camera). I’ve played a few different times now and won almost every other time!
Mark your Calendar:
On March 2nd, every one can play and 1,000,000 winners will get a coupon for Oreo Cookies!
Kroger shoppers don’t forget about another instant win game for coupons loaded straight to your Kroger card.
See more freebie deals!
Kroger shoppers! Here are two digital coupons you don’t want to miss if you’re an AT&T customer or you’re thinking about buying an XBOX!
Digital Coupons:
-Get 200 Bonus Fuel Points when you buy (1) AT&T prepaid wireless card (ends 3/5)
-Save $10 on Microsoft XBOX when you buy (1) XBOX Live Gold 3 month membership card (ends 3/2)
See more Kroger deals!
This post is sponsored by Mirum, but opinions expressed are my own
This week is a great week to stock up on the AXE products your teenage boys (and husbands) need with a sale and ExtraCare Buck deal at CVS. Whether you are going to finally tell your son that it’s time for deodorant or you’re just grabbing his favorite items, it’s always good to get a deal!
Starting today in CVS select AXE products are on sale Buy 1 Get 1 50% off. Plus when you buy $15 worth you’ll get $5 in ExtraBucks Rewards back! This offer runs through Saturday, 3/2, so make sure to head in this week or shop online.
Here are some ideas of products on sale:
Axe Phoenix 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, 16oz: Good for the gym, dorm, and on- the-go, this is a 2-in-1 formula for easy cleaning and conditioning. It leaves his hair soft and clean.
AXE Body Wash for Men, Apollo, 16 oz: A classically masculine fragrance with an addictive edge. Crisp notes of green fruits and fresh sage make a refreshing scent. Did you know that AXE Body Wash is the #1 in the world brand of men’s body wash??
AXE Phoenix Deodorant Stick: Provides all day freshness and odor protection to keep him confidently fresh for longer. Phoenix is a classic, fruity fragrance featuring lavender, geranium and citrus. Strong enough to ensure 24-hour protection – giving renewed confidence without fear of body odor or sweat stains.
There are 12 new printable coupons that became available today. Save on great brands like Clairol, Pepsi, Purina, All Laundry and more.
New Printable Coupons
Household:
$1 off All laundry product printable
$1 off Snuggle product, excl trial size printable
Personal Care:
$5/2 Clairol Nice ‘n Easy, Permanent Root Touch-Up, Natural Instincts hair color, printable
$2 off Clairol Nice ‘n Easy, Permanent Root Touch-Up, Natural Instincts hair color, printable
Pharmacy:
$1.50 off Excedrin product, 20 ct.+ printable
$1 off Metamucil fiber supplement product, excl trial/travel size printable
$1 off Airborne product printable
$1 off Digestive Advantage product printable
$1 off Mega Red product printable
$1 off Move Free product printable
$3 off Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream, .75 oz and 1 oz printable
$1 off Preparation H product, excl Rapid Relief Cream .75 oz and 1 oz printable
Fridge:
$1 off Giovanni Rana refrigerated pasta, 9-20 oz printable
$1 off Giovanni Rana refrigerated sauce, 7-15 oz printable
$1/2 Stonyfield organic snack packs printable
Beverage:
$2 off Pepsi (1) 12 pk OR (1) 20 oz Pepsi Zero Sugar printable
Pet Care:
$5/12 Purina wet dog food trays OR (1) 12 ct. variety pack, 3.5 oz trays printable
$2 off Purina Bella dry dog food, 3 lb+ printable
$2.50/6 Purina Bella wet dog food, 3.5 oz trays printable
We have a new Pepsi coupon that came out today. You can head anywhere for a deal but there are a few offers that can stack with it that might make you pick a specific store!
Combine it with a sale and Ibotta Offers at Lowes Foods or head to Target and triple stack offers also using a Target cartwheel!
See the full Lowes Foods Ad for more great deals.
Pepsi Coupon
$2 off Pepsi (1) 12 pk OR (1) 20 oz Pepsi Zero Sugar printable
Other Pepsi Coupons:
25% off Pepsi Brands 12 pk cans, 12 fl oz varieties, Target Cartwheel (exp 3/2) eCoupon
Free Pepsi Zero Sugar 20 oz wyb (1) Pepsi 12 pack, Dollar General eCoupon
.50/1 Pepsi Zero Sugar, 12-pk cans, Ibotta App mobile app
.50/1 Pepsi Zero Sugar, 20 oz single bottle, Ibotta App mobile app
Lowes Foods Deal (thru 2/26):
- Buy:
(1) Pepsi Products, selected, 12 pk 12 oz cans, $3.33
(1) Pepsi Zero Sugar, 20 oz, $1.79
Use:
-$2 off Pepsi (1) 12 pk OR (1) 20 oz Pepsi Zero Sugar printable
Submit for:
-.50/1 Pepsi Zero Sugar, 12-pk cans, Ibotta App mobile app
-.50/1 Pepsi Zero Sugar, 20 oz single bottle, Ibotta App mobile app
–makes it $2.79 for both–
Congratulations to all you new or expecting parents! We have tons of new babies to celebrate, so let’s talk how to save on babies. As a new mom, dad or even grandparent, you can start planning ahead and getting stocked before baby makes their debut and it will make the first few months a little less sleep-deprived!
I put together a fun list of 10 money saving tips for all you new moms and dads. This works for grandparents that want to help too!
10 Ways to Save on Babies
- Weekly Baby Deals Lists on Southern Savers
Each week we post a list of all the best baby deals you can get around town. This is a great way to quickly see which store has the best prices on everything from wipes to baby food. You can also use the item search to find exactly what you need on sale on right now. - Stocking up on Diapers
One of my most popular baby posts covers stocking up on diapers, what price you should pay and how many you’ll need. Use it as a guide to stock your diaper closet at a fraction of their retail price. Generally I’m looking to not pay more than $4.50 a pack on diapers and this post details how!! - Cloth Diapers
If you’d rather try your hand at saving on cloth diapers, we’ve covered that too! They can be a great way to save money and resources if you can incorporate it into your routine. - Make Your Own Baby Food
To save on baby food, use coupons for jars or pouches but also consider making your own baby food. During summer months produce can be really inexpensive and you can freeze it ahead.
- Sign up for Baby Registries
Whether this is your 1st or your 5th you should always make a baby registry! You’ll get free gifts & coupons from Amazon, Target, Buy Buy Baby , Walmart and many others! Watch for offers to come after the baby is born to complete your registry, many times we see 15-20% off any item you didn’t receive that you registered for.
Tip: Grandparents can also create a registry for items they may need. They will also get welcome gifts! - Stock up for Mom & Dad Too
Don’t forget to have your pantry and medicine cabinet stocked too so that you don’t have to run out and pay full price because you ran out of toothpaste. Couponing in the months before baby arrives can really take a lot of stress and financial burden off new parents. - Save on Baby Gear by Price Matching
Never shop for large baby items without cost comparing with Amazon, Target and other large retailers. If you need something today and can’t wait for it to be shipped, take advantage of price match policies at Target, and Buy Buy Baby and get the item today for the online price!
Tip: Use the barcode scanner in the Southern Savers app to find the cheapest online price while you are in the store. Head straight to customer service and price match! - Shop Secondhand
Venture out to local thrift shops, Goodwill stores and consignment sales. You’ll often find gently used clothing (sometimes they still have the tags on) at a fraction of the retail price. Create a stylish wardrobe or nursery for your bean without emptying your wallet.
- Never Say No to Hand-Me-Downs
The truth about baby gear is that you only need it for a short time. Most parents of toddlers now have a garage full of stuff they aren’t using. Talk to friends and relatives about inheriting their unused stuff. It’s a great way to save and they’ll be happy it goes to someone who can use it.
- Check Your Insurance Coverage for a Free Breast Pump
Most health insurers are now required to cover some type of breast pump. Talk with your provider and see what your options are. This could be a way to save a few hundred dollars!
With a new baby in the house, I’m constantly looking for extra ways to save. All you other seasoned mamas, feel free to chime in with your favorite savings tips! I always get inspired when y’all leave comments!
