Heavenly Divinity

Divinity candy is a delicious homemade confection! This heirloom Divinity candy recipe is a family holiday tradition and always a special favorite!

Grandmother’s Divinity candy was always a part of our Christmas celebrations. Her billowy, white Divinity tasted a lot like marshmallows and was always one of my favorite homemade candies. Some years, she’d add a tint of pink or green to it, but she would usually leave this special Divinity pure white.

Grandmother’s Divinity Candy Recipe

I always wanted to help my Grandmother as she made her Divinity recipe each Christmas.

Watching her as she worked magic before my eyes, I would get as close as possible for a better look. I was certain to keep my spot beside her while she turned the molten sugar into fluffy, light clouds of confection. I was always so excited to help her drop teaspoons full of Divinity onto the waxed paper.

Since Grandmother had chosen the best day with low to no humidity, her Divinity would dry well. Then she packaged it into waxed paper-lined containers used to hold her Christmas candies until she later shared with all of us at Christmas.

When I married, Grandmother gave me a book of her recipes that she’d collected throughout the years. Many of them were taught to her by her own mother and grandmother, some were given to her from friends, but most she’d created herself.

Each year just before Christmas, I carry on the tradition and make Grandmother’s Divinity. I remember her advice and research the weather predictions to pick just the right day – the day with the lowest possible humidity. Then, I carefully pull out my treasured book of Grandmother’s handwritten recipes and turn to the pages of Christmas candies, including her date nut roll recipe and this Divinity recipe, and make them for my own family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Divinity recipe is a pure delight, combining nostalgia with a sweet, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s a timeless treat that connects generations and brings a touch of magic to the holiday season. Perfect for sharing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to evoke fond memories and create new ones.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Electric mixer
• Candy thermometer
• Cooling racks
• Waxed paper
• Teaspoons

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) or 1/2 cup cherries (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by laying sheets of waxed paper onto two cooling racks and set aside.
2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches the hardball stage, 260 degrees Fahrenheit, checking with a candy thermometer.
3. While the syrup cooks, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
4. Once the sugar syrup reaches 260 degrees F, remove it from the heat. Gradually pour the syrup into the beaten egg whites, whipping at high speed with an electric mixer.
5. Add the vanilla and continue to whip on high speed until the mixture holds its shape and does not fall back onto itself, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped pecans or cherries, if desired.
7. Quickly drop teaspoons full of the mixture onto the prepared waxed paper, swirling the top of each piece.
8. Allow the Divinity to dry and harden for a few hours or overnight. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Tips for Success

For the perfect Divinity, choose a dry day with low humidity to make your candy. This ensures it sets well and maintains its fluffy texture. Also, keep a close eye on the candy thermometer to avoid overcooking the syrup.

Additional Tips and Variations

If you prefer a bit of color, add a drop or two of food coloring to the mixture during the final whipping stage. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of Divinity provides a delightful treat with approximately:

• Calories: 60
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 0.3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Divinity without a candy thermometer?

While a candy thermometer is recommended for accuracy, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a hard ball, it’s ready.

Why is my Divinity not setting properly?

Humidity can affect the setting process. Make sure to choose a dry day and ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature.

Can I freeze Divinity?

Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature instead.

Conclusion

I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing Grandmother’s Divinity as my family does. This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a cherished tradition. I invite you to try it out and share your experiences. Let us know how your own family enjoys this delightful candy!