Is there anything better than finding an old recipe with your loved one’s handwriting on an old yellowed sheet of paper?

When I started collecting old family recipes a couple years ago for a printed family cookbook my mom would send me photos of old recipes she had. Seeing the handwriting and old typewriter written words from family that was no longer with us, or that I never even met, brought back happy memories that threatened happy tears.

If you’ve never had divinity before, I’d describe it as a sugary sweet marshmallowy candy with a touch of savory vanilla and nuts. It’s tasty in a lot of different ways! It’s definitely a classic homemade candy, but I rarely see it outside of home get togethers.

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Great Grandma’s Divinity Candy

Ingredients:

2 C. Sugar
2 Egg whites
1 C. Chopped pecans
1/2 C. Water
1/4 to 1/2 C. Corn Syrup
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/8 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar, syrup, water, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan. Boil without stirring for five minutes.
2. Wipe the sides of the pan with a wet cloth or brush.
3. Boil without stirring to the firm ball point (245° to 248° Fahrenheit). Should spin a thread about 8 inches long.
4. Beat the egg whites until stiff.
5. Slowly pour the sugar mixture into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly.
6. Continue beating until mixture loses gloss and will hold its shape.
7. Mix in the chopped nuts and vanilla.
8. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper or pour into well buttered pan and cut into squares.
9. Allow to dry and cool before serving