Divine Intervention

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Divine Intervention

By Paula Deen

It’s true that it takes a stroke of luck and an act of God to make Divinity, but it’s also a science. If a measurement is even a frog’s hair off, it could spell disaster—givin’ you a candy that’s so hard it’ll crack your teeth, or so soft and gooey that it won’t hold its shape. It all just depends on if you overdid it, or if you under did it.

To get it as right as my mama did, you’ve got to cook Divinity to exactly 255 degrees, but you’ve also got to have some candy sense about you—a knack and a feel for the process. Mama was the only one in our family who had that sense. My Aunt Trina tried to make it. Grandma tried to make it. But Aunt Peggy didn’t even bother to try ‘cause she never was into makin’ sweets. Everyone either gave up tryin’ or never tried in the first place, but I truly can make it, and it can be delicious, but it still don’t look like Mama’s. Hers was total perfection.

Mama made it every Christmas. Back when I was knee high to a grasshopper, we would have holiday parties and bake sales at school. I would be the first one to raise my hand and say, “My mama wants to make Divinity!” whether she did or not. Later, I’d feel bad watching her stuff little bags with three pieces at a time—“bad” because of all the work I’d caused her, and “bad” because my beloved Divinity was going out the door instead of into my mouth. Hers would be the first thing to sell, every time. I imagine a lot of those mothers unwrapped the bags and put those candy pieces on beautiful cookie plates, tryin’ to pass them off as their own.

I’ll be the first to admit that making Divinity is no easy task. For one, those candy thermometers are just impossible to read. Nothing but a sugar ant could read those teeny, tiny numbers in order to make sure the temperature hits 255 degrees and not a touch higher. So if attempting to make Divinity is too much pumpkin for a nickel, y’all need to try my quick and easy 7-minute frosting. You cook it in a double boiler and beat it the whole time with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy—but 7 minutes is truly the magic number to this heavenly Divinity-like icing that makes the perfect topping to a lemon or coconut cake. You about can’t screw this one up; that is, unless you make it on a rainy day (no kidding). So when the skies are clear, crisp and full of festivities, channel the angels and every bit of goodwill you’ve saved and try your hand at Divinity. And if you’re running a little low on luck, opt for the icing.

Mama’s Divinity

Ingredients
2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
3 egg whites
3/4 cup cold water
1 cup white corn syrup
4 cup sugar

Directions
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir only until sugar has dissolved. Do not stir after this point. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 255 degrees on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.

While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 255 degrees, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in pecans.

Using two spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using one spoon to push the candy off the other. This may take a little practice because the technique is to twirl the pushing spoon, making the candy look like the top of a soft serve ice cream. If the candy becomes too stiff, add a few drops of hot water. You will need to work fast when making this type of candy.

Let sit for 30 minutes and serve.

Read More From Holidays and Entertaining.

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Reader Comments:

Paula, first of all, I am a huge fan of you and your beautiful family. You are lookin' good and healthy pretty lady! I make candy during holiday time only on a cool, crisp, sunny day because any amount of humidity will spoil the candy! Your divinity is yummy, but I had to watch it like a hawk. I saw you and Michael at the Jackson Coliseum a few years ago and had a great time! Come back soon. Next time bring those sons with you! Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

By Debbie Dugas on January 03, 2013

I used to be able to get a boxed frosting from Betty Crocker I think that had the recipe on the back for divinity. Does anyone know what I am talking about? That was the only way I could make this candy, as it always turned out perfect. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

By S. Hasten on December 22, 2012

This may be a crazy comment to you, Paula, but..........I don't like divinity and I have never tried to make it. I do watch you on Food Network every day and I love you. The comment I wanted to make is how good you look these days. You've gotten thinner and are looking so good. I think I gained all the weight you lost. Just keep up the good work. You are beautiful.

By Sherry Banks on December 18, 2012

Best divinity I ever made. Just like a remember my mom making. Also had to wait for a sunny day to make it.

By Betty Fortner on December 17, 2012

My mother, like yours, made Divinity every Christmas, she even tinted in pink and green. But rather than used chopped nuts, she placed a half pecan on top of each little mound. I WISH l could make it like she did but unfortunately l never learned how, but l know she never made it when the humidity was high, because it would flop. Thank you for bringing back some great memories, my Mama has been gone since 1990.

By Gloria Coakley on December 17, 2012

Paula, I followed this recipe for Divinity and it turned out perfect! either I got lucky or your recipe is perfect! (or both)

By Debi Tisdale on December 16, 2012

I'm really looking forward to trying this recipe I love Divinity , I do know it's hard to make, Maybe I'll have the nack. I heard the weather had something to do with making good Divinity also. Thank you Paula for all the great recipes and the fun you bring us in watching you do them on the food channel.

By Arleene McDonald on December 16, 2012

Paula, I have most of all your cookbooks--- LOVE 'EM!! Saw this recipe for Divinity...hmmm My mom use to make it too during the Christmas holidays. I just might try this 1... looks soo good. Mom would add a touch of peppermint flavoring, cause she knew it was MY favorite. Thank you Paula for bringing back my memories of my mom in the kitchen. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!

By Terie Kopf on December 16, 2012

I love your shows, magazines, & love trying some of your Southern cooking. Thank you.

By Antonia Owens on December 14, 2012

My Grandfather and my mom used to make a candy called "Seafoam". It would just melt in your mouth like a cloud. I can NOT for the life of me find a recipe for it. Do you recognize this candy? I've tried my hand w/divinity to no AVAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I think I could make this candy. Any info would be appreciated!

By Judi Lewis on December 14, 2012

THIS is my moms recipe...to the "T"...and thankfully she passed it, along with the ability, to me....JUST went to a friends on Wednesday and made this delicious confection to show them how...so many "ooohs" and "aaahhs"...and lots of talking about MOM, who's passed on now...It's NOT Christmas until the Candy's being made..we also did fudge and peanut brittle....I have Kidney Failure now, and can't INDULGE like I would like, but it only takes one TASTE to transport me back to my childhood at mama's side watching her make Christmas Candy...just had to share.

By jay tuggle on December 14, 2012

My mother and father, both from Savannah, loved Divinity. Mom, who would have turned 102 this December would make it every Christmas. We lost her recipe and are most grateful for your recipe. Thank you for giving us back some our Savannah heritage.

By John Rabey on December 14, 2012

Can't wait to try this. I have just one question. I live in the Mile High City and would like to know what adjustments are needed for preparing this at high altitudes.

By Martha on December 14, 2012

Miss Paula , are you kin to Allen Hiers from Putney Georgia. you use to bring your Daddy or Grand daddy to my daddy's barber shop in Putney to get his hair cut:) Love yo anyways, Georgia

By Anonymous on December 14, 2012

MY MOTHER, BLESS HER HEART, COULD MAKE DIVINITY! SHE ADDED BLACK WALNUTS. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY OTHER FLAVORS, (THOUGHT THAT WAS THE RECIPE). SHE WAS A SINGLE MOM, NEVER HAD MUCH MONEY, BUT SHE COULD MAKE FUDGE, CREAM PUFFS, DIVINITY, BREAD, COFFEE CAKES & 7 MINUTE FROSTING TO DIE FOR. I DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE POOR, WE ATE LIKE THE RICH. I LOVE AND ENJOY YOU AND YOUR SONS! HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY!

By CARREN on December 14, 2012

You are so right about Divinity!! Either you have it or you don't! My Mother make this every Christmas so your story brings back some wonderful memories!! One thing she always said that you can NEVER make this candy on a cloudy rainny day!! It will never set if you do. What was amazing as I see it now, is that she never used a candy thermometer!! She used the old drop a tiny bit in a bowl of cold water to test it method.

By Bernadette on December 14, 2012

Paula, I have been to your resturants and I have loved everything I have ever tried. Please I'd love to be able to see you in Person and do some of your recipes as you do them, not make such a dits of myself in the kitchen all the time !! LOL xx

By Nona F. Wimsatt on December 12, 2012

paula I no u probally wont see this message but just wanted u to no I make divinity the way my momma made it to except I add flavorings to mine I especially like to add flavor for my 2 grandboys I add grape or strawberry or watermelon or any flavor that sounds good rootbeer is especially good have a great day and I watch u all the time best dishes from my kitchen to urs

By evelyn woolf on December 12, 2012

My Grandmother made this every Christmas. It was so good. She also made date loaf candy, which I became good at making. I have never tried to make the divinity, but I might try!

By REBECCA L MONNAT on December 12, 2012

My dear Paula I watch you everyday that I am able And I can remember making this same divnity with my mother.But I do not know if I can make now by myself. It has a lot of sugar.It bring back so many memories of my mother at this Christmas time. Thank you so much for sharing it with your fams that love you so much. Marybeth Wortheb

By Marybeth Worthen on December 11, 2012

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Divine Intervention