Ah, Classic Southern Divinity Candy! This delightful treat brings back so many memories for me. I remember my grandmother standing in the kitchen, her apron dusted with powdered sugar, whipping up a batch while telling stories of her childhood in the South. The way she skillfully combined the fluffy egg whites with that bubbling sugar syrup created a heavenly texture that just melts in your mouth. It’s like biting into a cloud of sweetness, with hints of vanilla and the satisfying crunch of pecans. This candy holds a special place in Southern culture, often gracing our holiday tables and family gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite of Classic Southern Divinity Candy, you’ll understand why it’s such a cherished tradition. It’s not just candy; it’s a sweet slice of nostalgia that ties generations together!
Ingredients for Classic Southern Divinity Candy
To whip up this delightful Classic Southern Divinity Candy, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a fluffy masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups granulated sugar – the sweet base of our candy
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup – this helps achieve that perfect chewy texture
- 1/2 cup water – to dissolve the sugar
- 2 large egg whites – make sure they’re at room temperature for best results!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that lovely, aromatic flavor
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts – these add a delightful crunch, but feel free to switch them up based on your nut preference!
With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’ll be on your way to making a Southern classic that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Classic Southern Divinity Candy
Now, let’s dive into the sweet magic of making Classic Southern Divinity Candy! This part is all about precision and a little timing, but don’t worry—I’m here to walk you through each step. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a batch of fluffy, dreamy candy that will impress everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a boil. Here’s a pro tip: don’t stir it anymore! Just let it bubble away until it reaches a temperature of 250°F on a candy thermometer. This is crucial for that perfect texture.
- While your syrup is bubbling away, grab a mixing bowl and beat 2 large egg whites until stiff peaks form. You want them to hold their shape beautifully—this is what gives the candy its fluffy goodness!
- When the syrup reaches that magic temperature, carefully and slowly pour it into the beaten egg whites while continuously beating. This is where the magic happens, so keep that mixer going!
- Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks glossy and fluffy.
- Now, the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper. Let them cool and set for about 30 minutes, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your Classic Southern Divinity Candy!
Keep an eye on your timing, and trust me, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful treat that’s sure to please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute sweet cravings!
- Fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, delivering pure bliss with every bite.
- Sweet, rich flavor with that delightful nuttiness from pecans or walnuts.
- A classic Southern treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Great for holidays, gatherings, or simply as a special handmade gift!
Tips for Success with Classic Southern Divinity Candy
To make sure your Classic Southern Divinity Candy turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips to keep in mind! First, always use egg whites that are at room temperature; this helps them whip up to those glorious stiff peaks we want. Also, don’t skimp on the candy thermometer—it’s essential for getting that right temperature of 250°F. If you don’t have one, I recommend picking one up, as it makes a world of difference! Lastly, when pouring the syrup into the egg whites, do it slowly and steadily; this ensures the mixture incorporates beautifully for that fluffy texture we all love. Happy candy-making!
Nutritional Information for Classic Southern Divinity Candy
Each piece of Classic Southern Divinity Candy is a delightful indulgence, offering approximately 80 calories. You’ll find about 15g of sugar, which contributes to that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience. In terms of fat, there are around 3g, with only 0.5g being saturated. It also contains 1g of protein and a mere 5mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but rest assured, each bite is worth every calorie!
FAQ about Classic Southern Divinity Candy
I know you might have a few questions about making Classic Southern Divinity Candy, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones! First off, how should I store my divinity? It’s best to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure it’s cool and set before you store it! Can I use different nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out pecans or walnuts for your favorite nuts like almonds or hazelnuts—each will give it a unique twist. And what if my egg whites won’t whip? This can happen if there’s any grease in your bowl or if they’re not at room temperature, so make sure to check that first. If you have any other questions, just ask—I’m here to help you make the best candy ever!
Storage Instructions for Classic Southern Divinity Candy
To keep your Classic Southern Divinity Candy fresh and delightful, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its fluffy texture and delectable flavor. Just make sure the candy is completely cool and set before you pack it away! If you plan to keep it for more than a week, you can also refrigerate it, but I recommend letting it come back to room temperature before enjoying that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Serving Suggestions for Classic Southern Divinity Candy
There are so many delightful ways to enjoy your Classic Southern Divinity Candy! It’s perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or family get-togethers, where it’s sure to be a hit. You can also package it up in a cute box as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or serve it alongside other sweets on a dessert platter for a festive touch. Trust me, it’s a treat that brings smiles all around!
Print
Classic Southern Divinity Candy: 5 Sweet Nostalgia Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Description
Classic Southern Divinity Candy is a sweet, fluffy treat made with sugar, egg whites, and nuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring.
- Cook until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
- While the syrup cooks, beat egg whites in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Once syrup reaches temperature, slowly pour it into the egg whites while beating continuously.
- Add vanilla and nuts, mixing until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper and let cool.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- You can substitute different nuts if desired.
- Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Classic Southern Divinity Candy, Southern candy, homemade candy