Easy Homemade Divinity Candy embodies the essence of sweet nostalgia and culinary simplicity. This classic confectionery delight, with its fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness, evokes cherished memories of homemade treats and holiday traditions.
The process of making Divinity Candy unveils a delightful transformation. It starts with the careful cooking of sugar syrup to the soft-ball stage, a critical moment in candy making. This hot syrup is then gradually incorporated into whipped egg whites, resulting in a fluffy, glossy mixture that’s meticulously beaten until it holds its shape.
The finishing touch often includes a hint of vanilla extract for a fragrant note and the optional addition of chopped nuts, typically pecans or walnuts, offering a delightful crunch in every bite. Once the mixture is spooned onto parchment paper or wax paper to set, it solidifies into dainty, bite-sized morsels of sweetness.
Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or presented as a thoughtful gift, Easy Homemade Divinity Candy encapsulates the artistry of traditional candy making in a straightforward, accessible manner, inviting all to savor its delightful simplicity and the sweet memories it invokes.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup toasted chopped pecans
– Garnish: toasted pecan halves
Directions:
1. In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Use a candy thermometer to heat the mixture to 248°F (about 15 minutes).
2. Remove the syrup from the heat once it reaches the desired temperature.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites at high speed until they form stiff peaks.
4. Pour half of the hot syrup in a thin stream over the beaten egg whites while continuously beating at high speed. This process takes about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the remaining half of the syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches 272°F on the candy thermometer (about 4 to 5 minutes).
6. Slowly pour the hot syrup along with the vanilla extract over the egg white mixture, beating constantly at high speed until the mixture holds its shape. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
7. Stir in the toasted chopped pecans into the mixture.
8. Using spoons or a piping bag, drop or pipe the divinity mixture onto wax paper, forming small mounds. Top each with a toasted pecan half for garnish.
9. Let the divinity candies cool and set at room temperature until they are firm. Enjoy these delightful homemade treats!