Divinity Candy

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: 30 min

Makes 10-12 pieces

I think Mom used to have more fun making this than any of us had eating it. She would let us all test that “hard ball” stage.

ingredients

4 cups sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
3/4 cup cold water
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans

directions

1
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir only until sugar has dissolved. Do not stir after this point. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.
2
While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 250 degrees, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in nuts.
3
Using 2 spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using 1 spoon to push the candy off the other. If the candy becomes too stiff, add a few drops of hot water. You will need to work fast. Cool completely.

notes

Test the hard ball stage in a cup of ice water. When you drizzle some of the syrup into the cup it is ready when it stays "floating" in the water and does not sink to the bottom. And the weather must be perfectly dry... NO humidity!!

Source: Stephanie Clarke