Divinity

 Divinity

2 1/2 c sugar

1/2 c light corn syrup

2 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

1-2 drops food coloring

1/2 c chopped candied fruit or nuts

In a heavy 2 qt saucepan mix sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 c water. Cook and stir over medium heat to boiling. Clip candy thermometer to pan, not letting it touch the sides. Cook over medium heat, without stirring to 250 F, hard boil stage (10-15 min).  Remove from heat. Remove candy thermometer. 

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites with a sturdy, freestanding electric mixer on medium speed 'til stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gradually pour hot mixture in a thin stream over whites, beating on high about 3 minutes; scrape bowl.

Add vanilla and if desired, food coloring. Continue beating on high just until candy starts to lose its gloss. When beaters are lifted, mixture should fall in a ribbon that mounds on itself. this final beating should take about 5-6 minutes. 

Drop a spoonful of candy mixture onto waxed paper. if it stays mounded, the mixture has been beaten sufficiently. Immediately stir in fruit or nuts. Quickly drop remaining mixture from a teaspoon onto waxed paper. If mixture is too stiff to spoon, beat in a few drops of hot water 'til candy is a softer consistency. Sore tightly covered. Makes about 40 pieces.