Basic Vanilla Divinity

Procedure

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water and salt in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring just until sugar is dissolved, but not after mixture begins to boil. Cover pan for 3 minutes to let steam dissolve sugar crystals on side of pan to prevent graininess in Divinity. Clip CANDY THERMOMETER to side of pan.

2. Cook mixture, uncovered, to 238 degrees (soft ball stage). While syrup is cooking to temperature, beat egg whites until stiff in a medium-size bowl. When syrup reaches temperature, slowly pour 1/2 the hot syrup in a slow but steady stream into the beat whites, while beating continuously. Place remaining syrup and the vanilla, until the mixture forms stiff peaks. Stir in nuts. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool; store in tightly covered containers.

** Makes about 1 1/2 Pounds

VARIATIONS

Chocolate Divinity: Stir 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces into Basic Recipe until melted, just before spooning onto wax paper

Cherry Divinity: Substitute 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice for 1/4 cup water in Basic Recipe. Stir in 1/4 chopped maraschino cherries just before spooning out.

Cinnamon Divinity: Add 1/2 cup cinnamon candy red hots with the syrup mixture Basic Recipe.