Divinity

Making divinity has been a Christmas tradition in the Sandberg home for as long as Steve can remember. I’ve been a part of the tradition for the last several years and it’s been a lot of fun. Last Sunday was our divinity night and it was as much fun as ever. The first batch failed, just as it does every year. Everyone pitches in, just like every other year. And we all got sick from eating too much divinity in one season, just as we do every year.

Divinity are little fluffy pillows of pure heaven. They’re made of sugar, meringue, and flavoring. It sounds simple enough, but everything has to be just right or the whole thing flops. That’s why our first batch usually fails, it takes us one try to remember exactly what we’re doing.

Divinity recipe

You start by heating some sugar on the stove until it is very hot. Then you whip some egg whites.

Whipping the egg whites

Then you very slowly and very carefully add the hot sugar to the whipped egg whites. Whip them for several minutes, add some flavoring, and voila! Next, you spoon the divinity onto waxed paper and wait for it to set up for a few minutes.

Steve spooning the divinity

They may not look like much but they are so yummy and very addicting. And I think they actually are better the next day. Give them a try this holiday season, or start another food tradition of your own.

Piece of divinity

Divinity Candy with Walnuts

Divinity Candy with Walnuts

Servings: 40 pieces
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Light and pillowy candy filled with walnuts. A fun holiday treat!

Ingredients
 

  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar (500 grams)
  • ½ cup light corn syrup (155 grams)
  • ½ cup water (125 grams)
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 drops food coloring , optional
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (55 grams)

Instructions
 

  • In a heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  • Once the mixture starts to boil, stop stirring and insert a candy thermometer. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, without stirring, until the thermometer registers 260°F ("hard-ball" stage), about 10-15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium high speed until stiff peaks form. The goal is to reach stiff peaks as the sugar reaches hard ball stage. I usually start beating the egg whites when the sugar reaches 230°F.
  • When sugar mixture is ready, remove saucepan from heat and remove thermometer. Gradually pour hot mixture in a thin stream over egg whites while continuing to beat the whites on high speed.
  • Add vanilla and food coloring (if using). Continue beating on high speed until candy starts to lose its gloss, 3-4 minutes. When beaters are lifted, mixture should fall in a ribbon that mounds on itself.
  • Test mixture by dropping candy by a spoonful onto waxed paper. If it stays mounded, it's ready. If mixture flattens, beat ½ to 1 minute more. If mixture is too stiff to spoon or has started to look a little grainy, beat in a few drops of hot water until candy is a softer consistency.
  • Immediately stir in walnuts. Quickly drop onto waxed paper, candy will harden within just a few minutes.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature, candy will keep for at least a week.
Calories: 71kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 9mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 16g, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Annalise
Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.