Old Fashioned Divinity Candy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Divinity candy. The name itself evokes a sense of heavenly indulgence. This classic confection, with its light, airy texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, has been a cherished treat for generations. While it might seem intimidating to make, mastering divinity is surprisingly achievable with the right instructions and a little patience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you create a batch of divinity that’s as close to perfection as possible. We’ll explore the history, troubleshoot common problems, offer variations, and ultimately, empower you to become a divinity-making expert.
What is Divinity Candy?
Divinity candy is a nougat-like confection traditionally made with egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and nuts, typically walnuts or pecans. Its hallmark is its light, fluffy texture, achieved through the careful whipping of the egg whites and the gradual incorporation of a hot sugar syrup. The result is a cloud-like candy that’s both sweet and satisfying. Unlike fudge, which is dense and rich, divinity boasts an airy lightness that makes it surprisingly easy to enjoy.
A Brief History of Divinity
The exact origins of divinity candy are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it’s believed to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. Some sources suggest it evolved from earlier nougat recipes, while others credit its creation to resourceful cooks experimenting with readily available ingredients. Regardless of its precise beginnings, divinity quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple at holiday gatherings and family celebrations. Its relatively simple ingredients and adaptable nature contributed to its widespread appeal.
Why Make Divinity Candy?
Beyond its delicious taste and nostalgic charm, there are several compelling reasons to try your hand at making divinity:
* **It’s a rewarding challenge:** While not overly complicated, divinity requires attention to detail and precise execution. Successfully making a batch is a testament to your culinary skills.
* **It’s a crowd-pleaser:** Divinity is a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Its unique texture and flavor make it a memorable treat.
* **It’s customizable:** The basic divinity recipe can be adapted to your liking. Add different nuts, dried fruits, flavorings, or even chocolate chips to create your own signature version.
* **It’s a homemade gift:** A beautifully packaged batch of divinity makes a thoughtful and appreciated gift, especially during the holiday season.
* **It connects you to tradition:** Making divinity is a way to connect with past generations who enjoyed this classic candy.
Essential Ingredients for Divinity Candy
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Egg Whites:** The foundation of divinity’s airy texture. Use fresh, room-temperature egg whites for optimal volume.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Provides the sweetness and structure for the candy. Use a high-quality granulated sugar for best results.
* **Light Corn Syrup:** Helps prevent crystallization and contributes to a smooth texture. Do not substitute with dark corn syrup.
* **Water:** Used to create the sugar syrup.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor of the candy. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Typically walnuts or pecans, but you can use other nuts like almonds, macadamia nuts, or even peanuts.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right equipment is crucial for successful divinity making:
* **Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan:** Essential for making the sugar syrup. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching and ensures even heating.
* **Candy Thermometer:** An absolute must for accurately monitoring the temperature of the sugar syrup. Clip it to the side of the saucepan, ensuring the bulb is submerged in the syrup.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer is ideal for whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks. A hand mixer can also be used, but it will require more effort.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls: one for whipping the egg whites and another for combining the ingredients.
* **Spatula:** Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
* **Baking Sheets:** Line baking sheets with parchment paper or waxed paper to prevent the divinity from sticking.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurements are essential for success.
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Divinity Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the recipe. Follow these steps carefully to create a batch of divine divinity:
**Yields:** Approximately 3-4 dozen pieces
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
* 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup light corn syrup
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Egg Whites**
* Place the egg whites in a clean, grease-free mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means the peaks hold their shape when the beaters are lifted. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can make the divinity dry.
* Set the whipped egg whites aside.
**Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup**
* In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
* Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
* Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan, making sure the bulb is submerged in the syrup.
* Cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 250°F (121°C), also known as the firm-ball stage. This process may take 15-20 minutes.
**Step 3: Gradually Incorporate the Sugar Syrup**
* Once the syrup reaches 250°F (121°C), immediately remove it from the heat.
* With the mixer running on low speed, very slowly drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites in a thin, steady stream. Be extremely careful, as the hot syrup can splatter and cause burns.
* Continue to beat the mixture on low speed until all of the syrup has been incorporated.
**Step 4: Beat Until Stiff**
* Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue beating the mixture until it becomes thick, glossy, and holds its shape. This may take 5-10 minutes. The divinity mixture will gradually lose its sheen and become more matte as it thickens.
* The mixture is ready when it forms stiff peaks and a spoonful of the mixture holds its shape without collapsing. This is a crucial step, so be patient and continue beating until the desired consistency is achieved.
**Step 5: Add Vanilla and Nuts**
* Once the divinity mixture is thick and stiff, add the vanilla extract and chopped nuts.
* Use a spatula to gently fold in the vanilla and nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the mixture.
**Step 6: Drop by Spoonfuls**
* Line baking sheets with parchment paper or waxed paper.
* Using two spoons, drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Try to make each piece roughly the same size for a uniform appearance.
**Step 7: Let Set**
* Allow the divinity candy to set at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is firm to the touch. The setting time will depend on the humidity in your environment. If the divinity is still sticky after 3 hours, let it set for a longer period.
**Step 8: Store**
* Once the divinity is set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Divinity candy can be stored for up to a week.
Tips for Divinity Success
Making divinity can be tricky, but these tips will help you achieve success:
* **Use Fresh Egg Whites:** Fresh egg whites whip up to a greater volume than older egg whites. For best results, use eggs that are as fresh as possible.
* **Ensure Egg Whites are at Room Temperature:** Room-temperature egg whites whip up to a greater volume than cold egg whites. Allow the egg whites to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
* **Use a Clean, Grease-Free Bowl:** Any trace of grease in the bowl will prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Make sure the bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry.
* **Monitor the Sugar Syrup Temperature Carefully:** The sugar syrup must reach the firm-ball stage (250°F or 121°C) for the divinity to set properly. Use a reliable candy thermometer and monitor the temperature closely.
* **Drizzle the Sugar Syrup Slowly:** Pouring the sugar syrup into the egg whites too quickly can cause the egg whites to deflate. Drizzle the syrup in a thin, steady stream while the mixer is running on low speed.
* **Beat Until Stiff:** The divinity mixture must be beaten until it is thick, glossy, and holds its shape. Be patient and continue beating until the desired consistency is achieved.
* **Work Quickly:** Once the divinity mixture is ready, work quickly to drop it onto the baking sheets. The mixture will start to set up as it cools, making it difficult to work with.
* **Choose a Dry Day:** Humidity can affect the setting of divinity candy. Avoid making divinity on a humid day, if possible.
Troubleshooting Common Divinity Problems
Even with the best intentions, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
* **Divinity is too soft:** This is usually caused by not cooking the sugar syrup to a high enough temperature or not beating the mixture long enough. Next time, make sure the syrup reaches 250°F (121°C) and beat the mixture until it is thick and stiff.
* **Divinity is too dry:** This can be caused by overwhipping the egg whites or overcooking the sugar syrup. Be careful not to overwhip the egg whites and monitor the syrup temperature closely.
* **Divinity is grainy:** This is usually caused by sugar crystals forming in the syrup. To prevent this, make sure the sugar is completely dissolved before the syrup comes to a boil. You can also add a tablespoon of corn syrup to the syrup mixture.
* **Divinity is sticky:** This can be caused by humidity or not allowing the divinity to set long enough. Allow the divinity to set for a longer period, especially on humid days.
* **Divinity is flat:** This is usually caused by deflated egg whites. Ensure that your mixing bowl is grease-free and the eggs are at room temperature before whipping. Also, drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the whites very slowly while mixing.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
The beauty of divinity candy lies in its versatility. Here are some variations and flavor ideas to inspire you:
* **Chocolate Divinity:** Add melted chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the divinity mixture for a rich, chocolatey treat.
* **Peanut Butter Divinity:** Stir in peanut butter after the divinity mixture is thick and stiff.
* **Maple Divinity:** Use maple extract instead of vanilla extract for a warm, autumnal flavor.
* **Peppermint Divinity:** Add peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies for a festive holiday treat.
* **Cranberry Divinity:** Stir in dried cranberries for a tart and chewy addition.
* **Coconut Divinity:** Add shredded coconut to the divinity mixture for a tropical twist.
* **Espresso Divinity:** Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the divinity mixture for a coffee-flavored treat.
* **Citrus Divinity:** Add lemon, orange, or lime zest to the divinity mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor.
* **Spiced Divinity:** Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the divinity mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Nut Variations:** Experiment with different nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios.
Serving and Storing Divinity Candy
Divinity candy is best served at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside other holiday treats. To store divinity candy, place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to a week. Avoid storing divinity in the refrigerator, as this can make it sticky.
Divinity Candy FAQs
* **Can I make divinity without a candy thermometer?** While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. A candy thermometer is essential for accurately monitoring the temperature of the sugar syrup, which is crucial for the divinity to set properly.
* **Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?** Yes, you can use a hand mixer, but it will require more effort. Be prepared to beat the mixture for a longer period.
* **Can I freeze divinity candy?** While it’s not ideal, you can freeze divinity candy. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
* **Why is my divinity grainy?** Grainy divinity is usually caused by sugar crystals forming in the syrup. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved before the syrup comes to a boil. You can also add a tablespoon of corn syrup to the syrup mixture.
* **How do I prevent my divinity from sticking to the paper?** Make sure the divinity is completely set before removing it from the paper. If it’s still sticky, let it set for a longer period.
Conclusion: Embrace the Divinity-Making Journey
Making old-fashioned divinity candy might seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little practice and patience, you’ll be creating batches of this heavenly treat in no time. Embrace the process, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun! The reward of homemade divinity, with its light, airy texture and sweet, nutty flavor, is well worth the effort. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on your divinity-making adventure. You might just discover a new family tradition.