Divinity Candy Recipes

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring just until sugar dissolves, and cook until syrup reaches 250 degrees (firm-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
• Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, starting on low and gradually increasing to high, beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form. If peaks form before the syrup reaches 250 degrees, reduce speed and keep mixer running on low.
• With the mixer on medium speed, add the syrup in a slow, steady stream (taking care not to hit the whisk or side of the bowl). Add vanilla. Increase speed to high and continue to whisk until mixture holds it shape and begins to lose its gloss, 10 to 20 minutes. Prepare a small bowl of hot water for dipping and a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons; line up miniature candy cups on a baking sheet.
• Working quickly, use cookie scoop or spoons to drop 1 heaping tablespoon candy into each cup, dipping scoop into hot water as needed to prevent sticking. Press pecans into candy. Let candy cool completely, at least 6 hours and up to overnight. Candy can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Steps:

• Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line three 15x10x1-in. pans with waxed paper., In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water and corn syrup; bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 252° (hard-ball stage). Just before the temperature is reached, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form., Slowly add hot sugar mixture in a thin stream over egg whites, beating constantly and scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Add vanilla. Beat until candy holds its shape, 5-6 minutes. (Do not overmix or candy will get stiff and crumbly.) Immediately fold in pecans., Quickly drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto prepared pans. Let stand at room temperature until dry to the touch. Store between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container at room temperature.

Steps:

• Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 2-quart pot over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. (On humid days, use 1 tablespoon less water.) Cook, without stirring, to 260 degrees on candy thermometer (or hard ball stage).
• Beat egg whites in 1-1/2-quart bowl until stiff peaks form. Continue to beat while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites. Add vanilla; beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull. (Mixture may become too stiff for electric mixer). Fold in nuts (if you choose).
• Drop from buttered spoon onto waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature, turning candy over once, until outside of candy is firm--at least 12 hours. Store in airtight container.