Ever find yourself wondering, "What exactly is divinity candy?" If you're not too familiar with the range of candies, sweets, and treats enjoyed in the South, we're here to help you learn everything you want to know about this classic confection.
Divinity is a confection made from egg whites, corn syrup, and sugar. It's similar to nougat, fudge, or marshmallow. Tip: replace the sugar with brown sugar to create "sea foam." Other ingredients can be used to give the candy other tastes, like chopped dried fruit and chopped nuts. Pecans are one of the nuts most commonly put into Divinity, so it's no wonder we love it so much here at Priester's!
Where Does Divinity Candy Come From?
Just like Memaw's stories, the type of Divinity candy widely made today dates back to a recipe from 1915. However, an earlier version including milk debuted in 1907. You can thank the rise in popularity of corn syrup for Divinity's emergence in the United States. A Divinity recipe was even promoted in a cooking brochure published by Karo, one of the leading corn syrup brands.
While pecans are known and loved all over the country, the pecans are what make it a true Southern delight. One bite will also clue you into where it may have gotten its unusual name -- because it certainly is divine!
How Is Divinity Made?
Divinity couldn't be easier to make. That's one of the many reasons we love it here at Priester's!
Before you start making Divinity, make sure you're not in too humid of an environment for the best and tastiest results.
When you have the ingredients and the proper environment, you're ready to make Divinity. While recipes can vary, most involve these main steps:
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Put egg whites into a mixer and beat them until stiff peaks start to form.
- When the hot sugar mixture in the saucepan reaches 260 degrees Fahrenheit (known as the "hard-ball stage" in candy making), slowly pour it in a thin stream over the egg whites.
- Continue to beat the mixture until it holds its shape. Don't overdo it, or the divinity will become crumbly and stiff. At this point, you can also fold in extra ingredients such as pecans.
- Drop the candy by the spoonful onto pans lined with wax paper. Let it stand at room temperature until it's dry and firm to the touch. (This may take about 12 hours.) Then store in an airtight container.
Divinity for the Holidays
It just isn't the holidays without Divinity. For many people in the South and beyond, Divinity is synonymous with holiday celebrations. It's considered a traditional Christmas treat and is the perfect dessert to share with friends and family.
Here at Priester's, we have plenty of Divinity candies for you to enjoy, whether it's your first or 100th time taking a bite of this soft, fluffy confection. Pecan Divinity is our specialty, of course, but if you prefer no extra ingredients or are allergic to nuts, you can also try our No-Nut Divinity. Each batch that comes out of our kitchen is made with the freshest ingredients according to our traditional recipes, so you'll experience authentic Southern quality and taste no matter where you are. Our Divinity is available in gift tins, bags, boxes, and economy packages, making it easy to order enough for just yourself or to stock up for the big Christmas party!
If you're in a gift-giving mood, Divinity is also featured in several of our popular Priester's gift boxes, tins, and samplers. These include the Southern Delights Sampler and Snack Pack Box, where Divinity appears alongside favorite treats like pecan logs, pecan brittle, praline pecans, pecan fiddlesticks, milk chocolate-covered pecans, and much more. They're a great way to send a delicious greeting to someone special during the holidays. For more ideas, you can shop by occasion to find the perfect items for every important day on the calendar.
We hope we've inspired you to try Divinity for yourself. Or if you're already a fan, maybe it's time to refill your candy cupboard. Priester's Pecans is always happy to send these genuine Southern treats right to your doorstep!
