How to Make Divinity

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How to Make Divinity

By Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine

Divinity
Makes about 3 dozen pieces

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups Domino Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites, room temperature
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instant espresso powder (optional)

Directions:
1. Line rimmed baking sheets with wax paper, and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a 2-quart, heavy stainless-steel saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, and salt over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 248 degrees on a candy thermometer (about 15 minutes).
3. While syrup cooks, in a small bowl, beat egg whites at high speed with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
4. Pour hot syrup in a thin stream down side of bowl into egg whites, beating constantly at high speed 5 to 7 minutes or until mixture holds its shape. Stir in chopped pecans and vanilla. Working quickly, drop mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Let stand to cool completely. Lightly sprinkle with espresso powder, if desired.

Step-By-Step for Divinity

When cooking and stirring the mixture of sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt, remember that 248 degrees is the magic number on the candy thermometer.

When beating egg whites, there are a few very important things to know. First, start with egg whites that are at room temperature. Next, make sure the bowl and beaters are clean (any grease can reduce the volume of your beaten egg whites). Beat at high speed with a mixer until stiff peaks form.

When pouring the hot syrup (remember it should be at a temperature of 248 degrees) into the beaten egg whites, make certain to pour it in a thin stream down the side of the bowl while beating constantly at high speed with the mixer.

The divinity is ready when it starts to hold its shape in the bowl. Stir in the pecans and vanilla. Remember to work quickly when dropping the divinity by rounded tablespoonfuls.

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Reader Comments:

Is 248 degrees still the magic number at high altitude?? I have heard you need to drop temperature 1 degree for every 1000 feet above sea level. Can you help please? thank you!!

By Ali on June 08, 2011

By Anonymous on May 07, 2011

Hi Debbie, Here is the recipe you're looking for! http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/brown_sugar_pound_cake/

By Jonathan Able on February 28, 2011

Why is it that I can't get the step- by step pictures on the "how to make divinity" page? Thanks!

By Cheryl Brown on February 23, 2011

Hi, I recently tried Paula's totally awesome Brown Sugar Pound cake. I must say it was without a doubt the best pound cake I have ever eaten. Now I am totally addicted!! I would be soooooo VERY grateful if you would be so kind as to pass along this recipe. I know those who have never had an opportunity to try this fabulous cake would love the recipe too. They have no idea what they are missing! Thanks much!! Love ya Paula!!!! Debbie F.

By Debbie Ferkingstad on February 15, 2011

By Anonymous on February 15, 2011

oh how I love divinity. My childhood friend and I would enjoy her Grandma's divinity. I got the recipe from her mother a year ago but haven't tried it yet. thanks Paula for this recipe & the helpful info.

By Lena on February 13, 2011

My dear Mother made the best divinity in the world. She always said the weather had to be just right. Does that make a difference? Ed and I love watching you and Michael together!

By CharleAnne on February 12, 2011

Can this divinity be made with splenda?

By Barbara Helm on February 12, 2011

going to try your divinity, I never had a recipe for that, now I do, thanks Paula

By David R. Lowery Sr. on February 12, 2011

This looks delicious (and easy)! I remember my great grandmother (my "Nanny") would say that it had to be a mild day for her divinity to firm up properly...no rain, not too hot or cold outside, etc. Is there any truth to that or just an old wives' tale?

By Karin Bell on February 12, 2011

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How to Make Divinity