Foolproof Pastel Divinity Recipes

OLD-FASHIONED DIVINITY CANDY

Steps:

• In a heavy, 2 quart saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and salt. Cook and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Then cook to hard ball stage without stirring, 250 degrees F (120 degrees C.) Frequently wipe crystals forming on the sides of the pan, using a pastry brush dipped in water. Remove from heat.
• Just as the syrup is reaching temperature, begin whipping egg whites: In a large glass or stainless steel mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Pour hot syrup in a thin stream over beaten egg whites, beating constantly with the electric mixer at medium speed. Increase speed to high, and continue beating for about 5 minutes. Add vanilla; continue beating until the mixture becomes stiff and begins to lose its gloss. If it is too stiff, add a few drops hot water.
• Immediately drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. For a decorative flair, twirl the top with the spoon when dropping. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

MAMA'S FOOL PROOF DIVINITY

Steps:

• 1. Cook first mixture until it spins a thread. (Just above softball stage)
• 2. Pour hot mixture over stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly
• 3. Cook second mixture to hard ball stage; slowly add to egg mixture, beating constantly.
• 4. Continue beating until it holds a shape. Add nuts and vanilla. If too thick, add 1 Tablespoon of boiling water. Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper; swirl top. Work fast!
• 5. Note: I find this a lot easier to make when you have help. My daughter helps me when I make this candy.

MICROWAVE DIVINITY

Steps:

• Place egg whites in the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes., In a microwave-safe 2-qt. bowl, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes; stir until sugar is dissolved. Cook 6-8 minutes longer or until a candy thermometer reads 260°(hard-ball stage), stirring every 2 minutes. Just before the temperature is reached, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form., With mixer running on high speed, carefully pour hot syrup in a slow, steady stream into the bowl. Beat just until candy loses its gloss and holds its shape, 15-20 minutes. Immediately stir in pecans and vanilla. (Do not overmix, or candy will get stiff and crumbly.), Working quickly, drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature overnight or until dry to the touch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

EASY DIVINITY

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper.
• Place dry frosting mix, corn syrup, vanilla and boiling water in bowl of electric stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Mix on low speed until blended. Beat on high speed 5 to 7 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until stiff peaks form. On low speed, gradually beat in powdered sugar, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in nuts. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto lined cookie sheets.
• Bake 5 minutes; remove from oven. Slide parchment paper with candies from cookie sheet onto cooling rack. Let stand about 4 hours on parchment paper or until tops of candies feel firm. Remove candies from parchment paper, using small icing spatula to loosen edges if needed. Turn candies over, and place bottom sides up on cooling racks. Allow candies to dry at least 12 hours. Store in airtight container with waxed paper between layers.

DIVINITY

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.

PERFECT DIVINITY

Steps:

• In a 2 quart saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
• Cook to hardball stage, (260 degrees), stirring only until sugar dissolves.
• Meanwhile, as temperature of syrup reaches 250 degrees, beat egg white till stiff peaks form.
• When syrup reaches 260 degrees, very gradually add the syrup to egg whites, beating at high speed with electric mixer.
• Add vanilla and beat until candy holds its shape, 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in the chopped nuts or cherries, if desired.
• Quickly drop candy from a teaspoon onto waxed paper, swirling the top of each piece.
• Let cool.