Divinity Recipe No Corn Syrup

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.

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.

DIVINITY CANDY

Steps:

• Butter a 9x9-inch pan and line with a parchment paper sling for ease of removal. Butter the parchment paper as well; set aside.
• Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking this mixture until the syrup reaches the firm ball stage, about 250° to 265°F on a candy thermometer. (It should be firm to the touch but still able to be flattened slightly when a small ball of syrup is dropped in cold water.)
• While syrup is cooking, beat egg whites with salt until stiff.
• Gradually add half the syrup to the egg whites, beating constantly.
• Return the remaining syrup to the stove until boiling again, then gradually beat the remainder into the egg whites until dry (no longer shiny).
• Beat in the vanilla just until combined.
• Pour into prepared pan and allow to cool. Cut into squares when firm with a sharp, thin-bladed knife sprayed with cooking spray to make clean cuts.

GRANDMA'S DIVINITY

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.

DIVINITY RECIPE

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper lightly spritzed with baking spray.
• Separate the egg whites and transfer to the clean bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
• Add sugar, water, salt, and corn syrup to a medium pot then stir together and place over medium heat. Once the mixture comes to a boil stop stirring and use your candy thermometer to keep track of the heat. You need to remove the pot from heat immediately when you've reached 255F. When your sugar mixture nears 230F turn the mixer to high and beat the egg whites to stiff peaks.
• As soon as your sugar mixture reaches 255F remove from heat and Slowly drizzle into the egg whites while the mixer runs on high. This will take a few minutes as you will be drizzling a thin stream into the egg whites to be patient.
• Run the mixer for 4-5 minutes or until you start seeing the gloss fade. You can spoon a test batch onto the baking sheet and see if it holds its shape.
• Immediately mix in the vanilla and pecans then turn mixer off and use two spoons to portion out 1-2 tablespoon-sized pieces onto a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet. Allow to set before storing in an airtight container.