All I Want For Christmas is Old-Fashioned Divinity

We're happy to share a classic divinity recipe with Anne Horn, of Boyne Falls, Michigan. Made from egg whites and sugar syrup, this old-school candy is light, airy, and super-sweet, even by Southern standards. (Sugar is one of our four basic food groups, right?) There are other recipes on the internet for quick and easy versions, but we think the real thing is worth a little extra effort.

Mrs. Floyd's Divinity makes 4 dozen. Hands-on time: 40 min. Total time: 40 min.

• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• Garnish: toasted pecan halves

1. Cook first 4 ingredients in a heavy 2-quart saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves and a candy thermometer registers 248° (about 15 minutes). Remove syrup mixture from heat.

2. Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Pour half of hot syrup in a thin stream over egg whites, beating constantly at high speed, about 5 minutes.

3. Cook remaining half of syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer registers 272° (about 4 to 5 minutes). Slowly pour hot syrup and vanilla extract over egg white mixture, beating constantly at high speed until mixture holds its shape (about 6 to 8 minutes). Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans.

4. Drop mixture quickly by rounded teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased wax paper. Garnish, if desired. Cool.