Candy Factory

We have become a candy factory at our house lately. We started by making nougat. Then we started playing with different flavoring. So far we have made vanilla, orange (my favorite), raspberry, cherry, and banana nougat. We also made a vanilla nougat covered with a layer of carmel. We have made 4 batches of carmel. We plan to dip most of the nougat in chocolate today.

Last night, I made two batches of divinity. Again, we have enjoyed playing with flavorings. I made banana divinity. I LOVE it. It reminds me of circus peanuts. I also made a batch of coconut divinity. It didn't set up right. I was in a bit of a hurry thanks to a certain 2 year old...so they were sticky. I decided since they were sticky, I'd put coconut on top. I hope that our neighbors enjoy them. I know that my husband will.

I received a recipe for microwave divinity many years ago. I still use it every time. It is SO easy.

Microwave Divinity:

3 eggs whites

4 cups sugar

1 cup Karo syrup

3/4 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

In a large microwave safe bowl combine the sugar, Karo syrup, and water. Cover, but vent. Heat in microwave on high for 10 minutes. Stir. Recover and heat on high for another 9 minutes. While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. I recommend using a Kitchenaid mixer as this recipe make a lot and you need a strong machine.

Once the sugar mixture is cooked, slowly pour it into the eggs while beating constantly. Add vanilla and coloring if desired. Beat on the highest speed your mixer can handle until the divinity sets up (about room temperature). You know when it sets up because it is no longer shiny and when you lift the beater up, the divinity doesn't sink back down.

Spoon onto wax paper and let it completely cool. Once you start spooning it, work quickly because it sets up very quickly once it really starts to cool. It makes 40 to 70 pieces depending on the size you spoon them out.

I thought I'd include a picture of the world's cutest chocolatier!