Grandmother'S Divinity
Grandmother's Divinity is a classic, airy candy treat with delicate sweetness and crunch, perfect for holiday gatherings or nostalgic homemade gifts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Cook, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Then cook over low heat without stirring until a hard ball forms (265°F).
- Test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a hard ball.
- Put the egg whites and salt into a separate bowl.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the hot syrup to the beaten egg whites, beating continuously.
- Add nuts, if desired.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture for Grandmother's Divinity, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating, which helps them reach stiff peaks more easily. If you're looking for a nut-free version, you can simply omit the nuts or substitute with crushed freeze-dried fruit for flavor. Always use a candy thermometer for precise cooking to avoid overcooking the sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Grandmother's Divinity makes a delightful treat on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve it on a platter alongside Gram Schrauder's Sugar Cookies. Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate or serving with fresh berries for a colorful dessert presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain its texture, avoid refrigeration, as this can make the candy sticky. If you need to reheat, do so gently in a microwave at low power, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't melt.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Divinity contains roughly 423 calories, with 13g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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
What can I do if my divinity doesn't set properly?
If your divinity doesn’t set, it may be due to undercooked syrup. To fix this, you can return the mixture to a saucepan and cook it a bit longer until it reaches the hard ball stage again, then rebeat into the egg whites.
Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Using powdered sugar is not recommended, as it will not provide the same structure and texture. Granulated sugar is essential for achieving the right consistency and stability in divinity candy.
Can I add flavorings to my divinity?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor of your divinity by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract when mixing in the hot syrup. Experimenting with different extracts can create delightful variations.
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).