Margaret'S Divinity
Margaret's Divinity is a classic, airy confection featuring sweet, nutty flavors with a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir sugar, corn syrup, and water over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
- Cook, without stirring, to 260°F (hard ball stage).
- In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Continue beating while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites.
- Add vanilla; beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull.
- Fold in walnuts (if using).
- Drop mixture from the tip of a buttered spoon onto waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating, as this helps achieve maximum volume. If you don't have walnuts, feel free to substitute with pecans or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. To achieve the perfect hard ball stage, use a candy thermometer for accuracy. Remember to work quickly when pouring the hot syrup into the egg whites to maintain the mixture's temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Margaret's Divinity makes a delightful treat on its own or as part of a dessert platter. It pairs beautifully with Fresh Fruit Coconut Dessert for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea or coffee, which enhances the sweetness. For festive occasions, package pieces in decorative boxes for a charming homemade gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature, where it can be kept for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause the candy to become sticky. If you need to re-crisp the candy, place it in a warm oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes, but monitor closely to prevent melting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margaret'S Divinity contains roughly 267 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% 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
Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer is a great choice for beating the egg whites, as it allows you to focus on pouring the hot syrup without needing to hold the mixer. Just ensure the bowl is clean and dry, as any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
What should I do if my divinity doesn’t set properly?
If your divinity is too soft, it may not have reached the correct temperature during cooking. To salvage it, try re-cooking the mixture to the hard ball stage and re-beat it into the egg whites. If it still doesn't set, consider using it as a topping for ice cream or mixing it into yogurt for a sweet treat.
Is it possible to color the divinity?
Absolutely! You can add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture after adding the vanilla. This is especially fun for holidays or special occasions. Just remember to use gel colors for a more vibrant hue without altering the consistency of the candy.
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).