Place 1/2 cup water in a large bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it in an even manner. Let sit for a few minutes.

Put the sugar and the other 1/2 cup of water in a small pot and bring to a boil while stirring. Once the mixture is a rolling boil (or 242 F/ 117 C with a digital food thermometer), pour the hot sugar water mixture over the gelatin/water mixture and beat with an electric mixer for about 10 minutes until the combined mixture turns into marshmallow with peaks.

If adding optional food coloring, add required amount to achieve desired color during the whipping phase with the electric mixer.

Pour marshmallow mixture into a 9x13 glass dish that has been coated with a tiny drizzle of coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Let it sit on the counter for several hours until firm.

Remove cooled and set marshmallow from dish in one large piece and place on a large cutting board. Form desired shapes with kitchen scissors or press out peeps with small stainless steel bunny cookie cutters. Decorate if desired. Chia seeds or tiny chocolate chips make cute eyes and nose.

If using marshmallows for roasting over a fire, simply cut into rectangles.

Store marshmallows and/or peeps in an airtight container in the pantry for several weeks.