I have always been more of a baker than a candy-maker, but this candy is my favorite. It is light and sweet, but it is not over-powering. Making divinity is a delicate procedure that requires my full attention or candy disaster will strike!
I love to make this around the holidays if the weather allows. It did this past Christmas and I got to make it twice. The first attempt was a little sticky because the humidity was just a little too high, but the second attempt was just perfect!
I hope you try this. The time it take to make it is more than worth it, just remember to watch the weather. The drier the air the better the divinity!
4 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup water
3 egg whites, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Lay out sheets of wax paper for the candy to dry.
Combine sugar, syrup and water in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Over low heat, stir until the sugar is dissolved. Clip on a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until it reaches 255 degrees (hard ball stage). This will take about 20 minutes.
When the syrup is about 250 degrees, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Remove the syrup from the heat. Pour very slowly into the egg whites, beating constantly on high speed. This previous step is very, very important. You must pour slowly and do NOT turn off the mixer while you are doing this.
Continue beating on high sped until the mixture holds its shape and loses its shine. I know this sounds vague, but I promise it will happen. When you first pour the syrup in the egg whites, the candy is extremely glossy. After you beat it for about 10-15 minutes, it becomes matte. Depending on the humidity, you may have to beat the mixture for a longer period of time. The first batch I made, I beat for 20 minutes and it was still a little glossy. Too much humidity! The candy still tasted good but it was too sticky.
Add vanilla and pecans. Working quickly, drop by tablespoonfuls onto the waxed paper and allow the candy to harden and cool. Here is the first batch that I made.
See how shiny it is. Here is a photo of candy from the second batch. You can definitely see the difference!
Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by Beanilla.
Picture Perfect Cooking 