Divinity And Variations

Ingredients

1/2 c corn syrup
1/2 c sugar
1/4 ts salt
1/2 c water
2 egg whites
1 ts vanilla extract
1 c coarsely nuts
1/4 c candied cherries
1/4 c candied pineapple
6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
6 tb water instead
2 tb preserved-ginger syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 c ginger

Instructions

Servings: 1 1/2 pounds DIRECTIONS: In saucepan mix corn syrup, sugar, salt and water. Cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, until a small amount of mixture forms a firm ball when dropped in cold water (248-F). Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Pour about half the syrup slowly over whites, beating constantly. Cook remainder until a small amount forms hard threads in cold water (272-F). Add slowly to first mixture, and beat until mixture holds its shape. Add vanilla and nuts; drop by dessert-spoonfuls onto waxed paper, or spread in buttered 9x9x2" pan, and when firm, cut in squares. HOLIDAY DIVINITY: Follow above instructions, adding candied cherries and pineapple with the nuts. CHOCOLATE DIVINITY: Follow above instructions, adding chocolate and nuts with vanilla after beating; then beat until well blended. GINGER DIVINITY: Follow above instructions, using the water and ginger syrup for the liquid. Add diced ginger with the nuts.