Ah, Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy! Just saying the name brings back a flood of sweet memories. I remember my grandmother whipping up a batch in her cozy kitchen, the smell of sugary goodness filling the air and making everyone gather around. It’s a classic candy that’s light and fluffy, with a sweet flavor that dances on your tongue. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up this nostalgic treat in no time. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or bringing a little sweetness to your family gatherings. Let’s dive into making some delicious Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy together!
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating this delightful candy! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 egg whites, beaten until stiff peaks form
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts, chopped (optional, but adds a lovely crunch!)
Make sure your egg whites are nice and fresh for the best fluffiness! You’ll want to have everything measured out and ready to go, as the process moves quickly once you start cooking. Let’s turn these simple ingredients into something magical!
How to Prepare Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Making Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is such a fun and rewarding process. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying that light, fluffy goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir it gently to mix everything together.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. This part is crucial—make sure it’s all melted and smooth!
- Once the sugar mixture is dissolved, bring it to a boil. Don’t stir it at this point! Just let it bubble away until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is 240°F (115°C). You can use a candy thermometer for accuracy, or if you don’t have one, just drop a little of the syrup into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, you’re good to go!
- While the syrup is cooking, grab another bowl and beat those egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters out, the peaks should stand up straight and not droop at all. It’s like magic!
- Once your syrup is ready, carefully and slowly pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites while mixing at a low speed. Be cautious, as the syrup is super hot—no splashes, please!
- After pouring in the syrup, increase the speed and continue mixing until the mixture thickens and loses its gloss. This can take about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it holds its shape well.
- If you’re using nuts, gently fold them into the mixture now. This adds such a delightful crunch to each piece of candy!
- Finally, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper. You can use a cookie scoop or just a spoon. Let them cool completely at room temperature. The magic happens here as they set up!
And there you have it! Your Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is just waiting to be devoured. Enjoy the sweet nostalgia and the compliments that are sure to come your way!
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe
This Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s about the joy of creating something special with minimal fuss! Here’s why you’re going to adore making this delightful treat:
- Quick preparation time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip up a batch in no time!
- Classic flavor: It’s that nostalgic taste that takes you back to simpler times, perfect for any occasion.
- Light and fluffy texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving just one more piece!
- Easy to customize: Whether you love a little extra crunch or prefer it nut-free, this recipe can be tailored just for you!
Trust me, once you make this candy, you’ll find yourself daydreaming about it long after the last piece is gone. It’s a true labor of love that brings sweetness to any gathering!
Common Questions About Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy
What is the soft-ball stage and how do I know when it’s reached?
The soft-ball stage is a crucial point in candy making, and it’s where your sugar syrup needs to be to achieve that perfect texture for Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy. At this stage, when you drop a bit of the syrup into cold water, it should form a soft, malleable ball that can easily be flattened. You can use a candy thermometer to check for accuracy—look for 240°F (115°C). If you don’t have a thermometer handy, just remember: it’s all about that soft ball! It’s like a little sweet science experiment, and getting it right ensures your candy has that light and fluffy quality we love.
How should I store Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy?
To keep your Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, as humidity can affect its lovely texture—nobody wants sticky divinity! If you live in a particularly humid area, you might want to enjoy them quickly or keep them in a cool, dry place. They should last for about a week, so you’ll have plenty of time to savor each bite!
Can I make Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy without nuts?
Absolutely! You can make Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy without nuts, and it will still be wonderfully delicious. Skipping the nuts doesn’t compromise the candy’s lovely texture, but it does change the flavor slightly. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you won’t miss out on that light, fluffy goodness. It’ll be just as nostalgic and sweet, ready to bring smiles to your gatherings!
Tips for Success with Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy
Ready to make your Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy turn out perfectly? Here are some expert tips that I’ve gathered over the years to ensure your candy-making experience is as smooth as possible!
- Egg whites matter: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them. This helps them whip up to those glorious stiff peaks more easily! And be sure your bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease—any tiny bit of fat can prevent the whites from whipping properly.
- Humidity alert: Candy making can be a bit tricky when the weather is humid. High humidity can impact the texture of your divinity, making it sticky instead of fluffy. If it’s a rainy day, consider waiting for a drier day to make your candy, or take extra care to keep everything as dry as possible during the process.
- Patience is key: When pouring the hot syrup into the egg whites, take your time! A slow and steady pour will help ensure that the mixture combines smoothly and gives you that nice, fluffy texture. Rushing can lead to a grainy mixture—trust me, it’s worth the extra few seconds!
- Use a candy thermometer: If you can, invest in a candy thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of whether your syrup is at the right temperature. If you don’t have one, just remember to check for that soft-ball stage as mentioned earlier—it’s essential for achieving the right consistency!
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect! Candy making is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. With each attempt, you’ll get better and more comfortable with the process. Plus, even the imperfect batches are usually delicious!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some fabulous Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy. Enjoy every moment of the process, and don’t forget to share your sweet creations with friends and family—they’ll be so impressed!
Nutritional Information for Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy
When indulging in Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy, it’s nice to know a bit about what you’re enjoying! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per serving, which is one piece of candy. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
This delightful treat is a sweet way to add a little joy to your day! Just remember to savor each piece—it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy your homemade candy with a smile!
What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy
Now that you’ve made your delicious Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy, you might be wondering what to pair it with to enhance that sweet experience! Here are some delightful suggestions that will complement the light, fluffy texture and sweet flavor of your candy:
- Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate is a classic match! The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of divinity, making for a cozy treat on chilly days.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve your divinity alongside fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or slices of apple. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness perfectly, adding a refreshing touch!
- Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee with your divinity. The warmth and slight bitterness of the drink contrast wonderfully with the candy’s sugary goodness.
- Ice Cream: For a fun dessert experience, serve your divinity with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The creamy texture and flavor meld beautifully with the lightness of the candy.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or cream cheese, can also be a delightful pairing. The creaminess of the cheese offers a unique combination with the sweet divinity.
- Nutty Snack Mix: Create a small snack mix with nuts and dried fruits to accompany your divinity. This adds a crunchy contrast and a variety of flavors to enjoy!
Whatever you choose to serve alongside your Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy, it’s all about making those sweet memories even more enjoyable. Happy indulging!
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Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy: 7 Sweet Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Description
A classic candy recipe that is light and fluffy with a sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil and cook without stirring until it reaches the soft-ball stage (240°F).
- While syrup is cooking, beat egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly pour hot syrup into beaten egg whites while mixing.
- Add vanilla and continue mixing until the mixture thickens.
- If using, fold in chopped nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Humidity can affect the texture.
- Can be made without nuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy, candy recipe, homemade candy