Would You Eat The Divinity Candy

Introduction

Divinity candy is one of those treats that brings back fond memories of my childhood. It has an almost magical quality—crisp, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, with the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty crunch. Every holiday season, my family would gather to make batches of this delicate candy, and it would never last long in the house. The airy texture and glossy finish of the Divinity candy always captivated everyone who tried it, and it quickly became a tradition. One thing I love about Divinity is its versatility—while pecans or walnuts are often added, you can enjoy it plain, or get creative with flavor variations. The best part? It’s relatively simple to make, and yet the result looks so impressive. If you’re looking to make a homemade candy that’s sure to impress family and friends, Divinity is a winner!

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Cook the Syrup: Once the mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring and continue to cook until the syrup reaches the hard-ball stage, which is about 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer. This step is crucial to achieving the proper consistency for the candy.
3. Whip the Egg Whites: While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine the Syrup and Egg Whites: Once the syrup reaches 250°F, carefully pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream into the egg whites while continuing to beat constantly. Be cautious to avoid splattering. Continue beating until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
5. Add Flavor and Nuts: Stir in the vanilla extract and, if desired, the chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for added texture and flavor.
6. Shape the Divinity: Drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper, forming small mounds.
7. Cool and Harden: Allow the Divinity candy to cool and harden at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
8. Store: Once hardened, store the candy in an airtight container for up to one week. It makes a perfect sweet treat to share with friends and family or give as gifts.

Nutrition Facts (per piece, based on 24 servings)

• Servings: 24
• Calories per serving: 100
• Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Sugar: 19g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fiber: 0g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1-2 hours

How to Serve

• As a Sweet Treat: Serve the Divinity candy as a special treat during the holiday season or at any family gathering. It’s light and sweet, perfect for snacking.
• Gift Giving: Pack the Divinity candy into a decorative tin or jar and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift for the holidays.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy the delicate candy with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful pairing. The sweetness of Divinity complements the bitterness of coffee.
• For Parties: Divinity candy is a great addition to a dessert table or candy buffet at a holiday party or gathering. It adds a beautiful touch with its glossy finish and bright, airy texture.

Additional Tips

1. Temperature Accuracy: Be sure to use a candy thermometer to measure the syrup temperature accurately. If it doesn’t reach 250°F, the candy may not set correctly.
2. Beating Egg Whites: Make sure the mixing bowl and beaters are clean and dry when beating the egg whites. Any grease or moisture can prevent them from reaching stiff peaks.
3. Avoid Stirring the Syrup: Once the syrup starts boiling, refrain from stirring, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize, affecting the texture of the candy.
4. Chill for Faster Hardening: If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the hardening process by placing the Divinity in the fridge for 30 minutes. Just be sure it’s stored in an airtight container.
5. Custom Flavoring: Experiment with different flavorings, such as almond extract, peppermint extract, or citrus zest, to customize your Divinity candy to suit your taste.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the chopped pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version of Divinity. The candy will still have the same delicious texture and sweetness.
• Chocolate-Dipped Divinity: For an extra indulgent treat, dip the bottoms of the Divinity mounds in melted dark or milk chocolate and let them cool. This adds a rich layer of flavor.
• Peppermint Divinity: Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla extract for a minty twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Almond Divinity: For a slightly different flavor, replace the vanilla extract with almond extract. It gives the candy a warm, nutty taste that pairs well with the pecans or walnuts.

Serving Suggestions

• For the Holidays: Serve Divinity candy alongside other traditional holiday sweets like fudge, peanut brittle, or sugar cookies.
• As Party Favors: Package the Divinity candy in small cellophane bags or cute containers and hand them out as party favors at your next holiday event.
• On Dessert Tables: Arrange Divinity candy on a dessert table for a decorative and delightful addition to any festive gathering.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While Divinity candy can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container and layer it with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.

FAQ Section

1. What if my Divinity doesn’t harden?
   If the candy doesn’t harden properly, it’s likely that the syrup didn’t reach the right temperature. Make sure to use a candy thermometer to reach the hard-ball stage of 250°F.
2. Can I make Divinity without a candy thermometer?
   A candy thermometer is highly recommended for precise temperature control, but if you don’t have one, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If it forms a hard ball, it’s ready.
3. Can I use different nuts in Divinity?
   Yes, you can substitute walnuts, cashews, or even pistachios for a variety of flavors and textures.
4. Is there a way to make Divinity less sweet?
   Divinity is a sweet candy by nature, but you can try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup. Keep in mind, the texture may slightly change.
5. Can I make Divinity with egg substitutes?
   While egg whites are essential for the texture of Divinity, you can experiment with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites, though the texture might vary.
6. How long does Divinity last?
   Divinity lasts up to 1 week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. It can also be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
7. Can I make Divinity without corn syrup?
   Yes, you can substitute the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, but the texture may change slightly.
8. Why is my Divinity too sticky?
   Sticky Divinity usually means that the syrup wasn’t cooked to the proper temperature or the candy was exposed to humidity during storage. Be sure to check the temperature next time.
9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
   Yes, a hand mixer works fine for beating the egg whites and mixing the candy. Just ensure you’re able to keep a consistent, strong beat.
10. What other flavors can I add to Divinity?
    Besides vanilla and peppermint, try adding citrus zest (lemon or orange) or coconut extract for a tropical twist.

Conclusion

Divinity candy is a fun, delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. With its airy texture, rich sweetness, and nutty crunch, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, as a homemade gift, or just to enjoy yourself, Divinity will surely become a beloved addition to your candy repertoire. Try experimenting with different flavor variations or serving suggestions to make this timeless treat your own!

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