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Divinity

Light as a cloud, this delightful little bite is fluffy and sweet with bits of toasted pecans scattered throughout. Divinity is one of the South’s most beloved candies – and certainly for good reason!
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Holiday
Servings 24 pieces of candy

Equipment

  • Baking sheets lined with Silpat liners or parchment paper
  • Medium, heavy saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Electric mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup white corn syrup
  • 2 egg whites
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup toasted, finely chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Before you start, have two large baking sheets lined with Silpat liners or with lightly butter parchment paper on hand. Once the divinity starts to set, you need to spoon up the candy quickly.
  • Combine the sugar, water and corn syrup together in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  • When the sugar has dissolved raise the temperature to medium, insert your candy thermometer and cook to 260-degrees. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the sugar has dissolved, do not stir!
  • While the sugar mixture is cooking, add the egg whites and the kosher salt to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment (not the whisk) beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks but are not dry, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • When the sugar mixture hits 260-degrees slowly pour it into the egg whites, with the mixer running.
  • Once the candy starts to thicken add the vanilla extract and the pecans.
  • Continue beating on medium-high speed until candy begins lose its gloss and starts to stiffen. Total time in the mixer is about 10 minutes.
  • Working quickly, drop the divinity by teaspoons onto baking sheets lined with a Silpat liner or lightly butter parchment paper. You can lightly butter or spray two teaspoons with a cooking spray, using one to scoop and the other to push the divinity onto the pan.
  • Allow the candy to cool then store in an airtight container.