Creating Patriotic Firecracker Marshmallows can be an enjoyable process if you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray. Dust it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
2. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, letting it bloom.
3. Cook Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
4. Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir once it begins boiling. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 240°F (soft-ball stage).
5. Combine Mixtures: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully mix in the bloomed gelatin, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
6. Beat Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer bowl. Beat on high speed for 10 minutes until it becomes thick and fluffy.
7. Divide Mixture: Once fluffy, divide the mixture into three bowls—leaving one plain, coloring one red, and one blue using food coloring.
8. Layer Mixtures: In your prepared pan, start with the plain mixture, spreading it evenly. Next, layer the red, followed by the blue mixture, smoothing each layer as you go.
9. Cool: Allow the mixture to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
10. Cut into Squares: Once cooled, dust a cutting board with powdered sugar. Turn the marshmallow mixture out and cut it into squares.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Toss the squares in powdered sugar to coat and prevent sticking.

These steps will guide you to produce beautifully layered Patriotic Firecracker Marshmallows that are delicious and eye-catching.