Brown Bag Divinity
Brown Bag Divinity offers a light, airy texture with a toasted pecan flavor, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet, crunchy treat for candy lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg whites until very stiff.
- Gradually add sugar and cream of tartar, beating very well.
- Slowly add vinegar and vanilla while still beating.
- Cut a brown paper bag to be a little larger than a cookie sheet, and line the sheet with it.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the paper-lined sheet, about 1 inch apart.
- Place a pecan half on each meringue.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 40 minutes.
- Let cool on the cookie sheet of the brown paper bag.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites, as any grease can prevent them from reaching stiff peaks. If you're out of cream of tartar, you can substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or vinegar. For a twist, consider adding a hint of almond extract alongside the vanilla for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Divinity can be enjoyed as a sweet treat on its own, or you can serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. Consider pairing it with a slice of Rich Peanut Butter Bread or a refreshing Watermelon Milkshake to balance the sweetness. These meringues also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as humidity can make the meringue sticky. If they become soft, you can briefly re-crisp them in a low oven (around 200°F) for about 10 minutes, but watch closely to avoid browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Bag Divinity contains roughly 64 calories, with 0g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my divinity not set properly?
If your divinity is not setting, it may be due to under-whipping the egg whites or not cooking the sugar syrup to the correct stage. Ensure you beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks and that the sugar is fully dissolved before combining with the egg whites.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture. Each nut will impart its unique taste, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
How can I make divinity chocolate flavored?
To create chocolate divinity, fold in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder with the sugar mixture before adding it to the egg whites. This will give your meringue a rich chocolate flavor while maintaining its light texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).