Its that time of the year again, when everyone starts pinning their favorite ideas for a Halloween bash. This year I partnered with Southern Living to share some scary good Halloween concoctions! One of these recipes is a Witches’ Brew Hot Chocolate that is topped with liquor-laced pumpkin and ghost marshmallows.

Today I’m sharing the recipe for the homemade marshmallows that include a hint of Grand Marnier. However this is optional so you don’t have to include it if you want a kid friendly recipe. Enjoy!

Liquor Laced Pumpkin and Ghost Marshmallows (Yields 36)

Ingredients

• 3 Packages Gelatin
• 1 Cup Ice Water (Divided)
• 1 ½ Cups Sugar
• 1 Cup Corn Syrup
• ¼ Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Grand Marnier (Optional)

Directions

Place the gelatin into a bowl with a standing mixer, along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by. In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium-high heat, cover and allow the mixture to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, which takes approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the pan from the heat. Turn the mixer on low speed and while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed up to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the Grand Marnier during the last minute of whipping—and add food color if desired. While the mixture is whipping, prepare your pan with cooking spray and parchment.

When the mixture is ready, pour into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula and spread evenly. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and even overnight.

Turn the marshmallows upside down onto a cutting board and use Halloween cookie cutters to cut them into fun shapes. You can even add faces with food coloring if desired.

Kelli Boyd Photography
This article originally appeared on SouthernLiving.com