Twice-Cooked Divinity
Twice-Cooked Divinity offers airy, chewy candy with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for those who enjoy nostalgic confections or elegant homemade treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir sugar into corn syrup, water, and a dash of salt until dissolved.
- Bring to a boil and cook to medium ball stage (240°).
- Slowly pour one-third of the hot syrup over beaten egg whites, beating constantly.
- Cook remaining syrup to very hard ball stage (265°).
- Test the syrup for readiness.
- Add several drops of the hot syrup to water to test.
- Beat the hot syrup into the candy mixture while beating constantly.
- Continue beating until the mixture holds its shape from a spoon.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix well.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating, as this helps them whip up to a better volume. If you're out of corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup, but note that it may alter the flavor slightly. Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings to avoid overcooking. For added flavor, consider folding in some chopped nuts after mixing in the vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
Twice-Cooked Divinity makes a delightful treat for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Serve them alongside coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with desserts like `Tis The Season Pumpkin Pie, bringing a touch of sweetness to your dessert table. For an elegant presentation, try arranging them in decorative boxes as gifts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Twice-Cooked Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the candy to become sticky. If the candies become too hard, you can soften them slightly by placing a slice of bread in the container for a few hours. This will help maintain a pleasant texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twice-Cooked Divinity contains roughly 130 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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 should I do if my egg whites won't whip up properly?
If your egg whites are not whipping, make sure there is no fat or yolk in the bowl, as this can inhibit the process. Additionally, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and dry. If necessary, add a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites and help them achieve their full volume.
Can I use flavored extracts instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other extracts like almond, lemon, or coconut for a unique twist on the classic vanilla flavor. Just be cautious with the quantity; start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as some extracts can be more potent than vanilla.
Why is the candy mixture not holding its shape?
If your candy mixture isn't holding its shape, it might not have been beaten enough or the syrup may not have reached the right temperature. Ensure you beat the mixture until it thickens and holds its shape well. Using a candy thermometer can help ensure you reach the correct stages for the syrup.
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).