Have you ever tried to make divinity candy but found yourself intimidated by the complex recipe and skillful techniques involved? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Making divinity at home may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of patience and practice, you too can create delicious, fluffy clouds of sweetness that will impress your friends and family.

To start with, let’s understand what divinity candy is. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth confectionery made with egg whites, sugar, and corn syrup, often served during festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter. The traditional recipe can be quite tricky, but we will share with you a simple, easy-to-follow method to help you master the art of making divinity. So why not grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Section: How to Make Divinity

If you’ve never had divinity before, it’s a sweet treat that is light, fluffy, and melts in your mouth. Making divinity may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, anyone can master this delicious candy treat. In this section, we’ll provide you with all the steps on how to make divinity at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Divinity

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the list of ingredients needed to make divinity.

1. 2 cups of sugar
2. 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
3. 1/2 cup of water
4. 2 egg whites
5. 1/4 tsp of salt
6. 1 tsp of vanilla extract
7. Food coloring (optional)
8. Chopped nuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Divinity

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions for making divinity.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Before you start making divinity, make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready. You’ll need a heavy bottomed saucepan, a candy thermometer, an electric mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water

In your saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture to Soft Ball Stage

Once the sugar has dissolved, clip the candy thermometer onto the side of the saucepan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches the soft ball stage (235-240°F).

Step 4: Beat Egg Whites and Salt

While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites and salt in a separate mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Add Sugar Mixture to Egg Whites

Once the sugar mixture has reached the soft ball stage, remove it from the heat and slowly pour it into the egg whites while beating on high speed.

Step 6: Add Vanilla and Food Coloring (Optional)

Once you’ve added all the sugar mixture, continue beating on high speed until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds its shape. At this point, add the vanilla extract and food coloring (if desired) and beat until incorporated.

Step 7: Drop Divinity onto Parchment Paper

Using two spoons, drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle chopped nuts (if desired) on top of each divinity.

Step 8: Allow Divinity to Cool and Set

Allow the divinity to cool and set at room temperature until firm but still soft to the touch. This usually takes about 2-3 hours.

Step 9: Store Divinity in an Airtight Container

Once the divinity has set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Homemade Divinity!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully made divinity candy at home! Now all that’s left is to enjoy your delicious creation. Share it with family and friends or keep it to yourself as a sweet treat. The possibilities are endless!

Gather Your Ingredients

Now that you have decided to make divinity, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Divinity is a simple treat that does not require any complicated ingredients. Here are the basic ingredients you will need for making divinity:

1. Sugar – 2 cups
2. Light corn syrup – 1/2 cups
3. Water – 1/2 cups
4. Egg whites – 2
5. Salt – 1/2 tsp
6. Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
7. Chopped nuts – 1/2 cups (optional)

In addition to the above ingredients, you will also need some cooking utensils such as:

1. A heavy-bottomed saucepan
2. A candy thermometer
3. A stand mixer with whisk attachment
4. A parchment paper or wax paper-lined baking sheet

Preparing Your Equipment and Workspace

Before you begin making divinity, you should prepare your equipment and workspace to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. Here are some tips that can help you prep:

1. Clean your cooking tools and equipment thoroughly
2. Ensure your workspace is clean and tidy to minimize the risk of contamination and messes
3. Make sure that you have ample counter space to move around and work comfortably
4. Keep your candy thermometer and whisk attachment handy
5. Place your parchment paper on baking sheets and set aside
6. Grease your spatula with cooking spray, butter or oil to prevent sticking

Preparing the Sugar Syrup

Next, you will need to prepare the sugar syrup. The sugar syrup is the backbone of your divinity recipe. Here are the steps to follow:

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely
3. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil
4. Do not stir the mixture once it comes to a boil, but you can use a pastry brush dipped in water to remove any sugar crystals from the side of the pan
5. Continue boiling until the temperature reaches 260°F on your candy thermometer, or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a hard ball

Whipping the Egg Whites

While the sugar syrup cooks, you can start doing the next step, which is whipping the egg whites. Here are the steps to follow:

1. In a stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and salt until foamy
2. Once the sugar syrup has reached the right temperature, gradually pour the syrup into the egg whites while continuing to beat on high speed
3. Be careful not to pour the syrup onto the whisk, as it will harden the syrup and hinder the mixing process
4. Continue beating until the mixture thickens to almost double its original volume, or until it starts to lose its glossiness
5. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes, but be patient and watchful

Adding the Vanilla Extract and Chopped Nuts

Once the mixture has reached almost double in volume, you can add the vanilla extract and chopped nuts (if desired). Here are the steps to follow:

1. Reduce the mixer’s speed, and add the vanilla extract one teaspoon at a time
2. Continue mixing for an additional minute until the vanilla is well incorporated
3. If you are using nuts, add them at this point and mix until they are fully distributed in the mixture

Dropping the Mixture onto Parchment Paper

Once the mixture has been well mixed, it’s time to drop it onto parchment paper. This step requires quick hand movements, so move fast! Here are the steps to follow:

1. Using a greased spatula, spoon out the mixture onto the parchment paper, working quickly because the mixture will start to harden as it cools
2. Do not try to smooth out the mixture as this will disturb its delicate structure
3. Drop the mixture in spoonfuls that are about 2 inches in diameter and 2 inches apart
4. The mixture will flatten slightly as it should

Allowing Time to Set

Once the mixture has been dropped onto the parchment paper, you will need to let it set at room temperature. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Leave the divinity out at room temperature for at least 12 hours or overnight. The divinity needs to dry out, so it’s important to practice patience
2. Do not cover the divinity, as this may cause it to become sticky
3. After 12 hours, test the divinity to see if it’s dry. If it’s still sticky, leave it out to dry for a few more hours
4. Once the divinity is completely dry, peel it off the parchment paper and store it in an airtight container at room temperature

Storing Your Divinity

Divinity can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Place the divinity in a single layer in a container and separate each layer with a sheet of parchment paper
2. Do not store the divinity in the refrigerator, as this will cause it to absorb moisture and lose its airiness
3. If the divinity gets too sticky while storing, dust it with a little cornstarch or powdered sugar before serving.

Conclusion

Making divinity is a great way to indulge your sweet tooth, and a simple treat to make for various occasions or as gifts. With the right ingredients, equipment, and a little patience, you can create these delicate clouds of sweetness easily!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Divinity

Mistakes Why to Avoid How to Fix
Not Using a Candy Thermometer Divinity is a delicate candy that requires precision in cooking. If the temperature isn’t measured properly, your divinity can turn out hard, chewy, or crunchy. Purchase a candy thermometer and make sure to use it when preparing your divinity. It will help you avoid undercooking or overcooking the candy.
Skipping the Beating Process The beating process is what gives divinity its light and fluffy texture. Skipping this step can lead to a dense candy that is difficult to chew. Make sure to beat the mixture for at least 10 minutes or until the mixture is slightly glossy and holds its shape.
Adding Too Many Nuts While divinity can be made with nuts, adding too many nuts can make the candy heavy and difficult to form into shapes. Stick to the recommended amount of nuts for the recipe. If you want more nuts, consider adding them on top of the divinity once it is formed.
Storing in a Humid Environment Divinity is a sensitive candy and can easily absorb moisture. If stored in a humid environment, the candy can become sticky and lose its texture. Store divinity in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If needed, add a small amount of cornstarch to the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Not Letting it Rest After forming the divinity candy, it needs time to set and cool. Not allowing sufficient time for the candy to rest can lead to a sticky, gooey texture. Let the divinity rest for at least 24 hours before serving. You can speed up the process by placing the candy in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Making divinity can be a challenging but rewarding process. With attention to detail and patience, you can craft a delicious and beautiful treat that will impress your friends and family. It’s important to avoid common mistakes to ensure your divinity turns out light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Remember to use a candy thermometer, beat the mixture thoroughly, use the recommended amount of nuts, store in a dry environment, and allow the candy to rest before serving. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to divinity success!

Enjoy Your Delicious Divinity!

Now that you know the secret to making fluffy and irresistible divinity, whip some up and impress your friends and family. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own. Thanks for reading and visit again soon to learn more yummy recipes!