Cherry Divinity: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

My grandmother, bless her heart, was not known for her adventurous palate. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole were the cornerstones of her culinary repertoire. But every Christmas, she would surprise us with a platter of the most wonderfully peculiar candy – a fluffy, pink confection studded with walnuts that she called Cherry Divinity. It was a delightful deviation from her usual fare, a burst of sugary sweetness that always felt like a special holiday treat. Though she never revealed the exact recipe (claiming it was a “family secret”), this version captures the essence of her Cherry Divinity, a taste of childhood Christmases past.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes (includes cooling time)
• Servings: Varies depending on square size
• Yield: Approximately 77 (1-inch) squares
• Dietary Type: Not suitable for vegans or those with egg allergies.

Ingredients

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup water
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 (3 ounce) package cherry gelatin
• ¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• 11 ½ x 7 ½ inch baking dish
• 2-quart glass measuring cup
• Electric mixer
• Medium-size mixing bowl
• Spatula or spoon
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by greasing an 11 ½ x 7 ½ inch baking dish. This will ensure the divinity releases easily once it has set.
2. In a 2-quart glass measuring cup, combine the 3 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of light corn syrup, and ¾ cup of water.
3. Microwave the mixture uncovered on high power, stirring twice during the cooking process. Cook for 15-17 minutes. The syrup needs to reach the hard-ball stage.
4. The hard ball stage means reaching a temperature of 260°F on an instant-read thermometer, or a small amount dropped into ice water should form a hard, easily manipulated ball. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
5. While the syrup is cooking, in a medium-sized bowl, beat the 3 large egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are achieved when the beaters are lifted, and the peaks gently fold over.
6. Gradually add the 3-ounce package of cherry gelatin to the egg whites while continuing to beat. Continue beating until the egg whites are stiff and glossy. Stiff peaks will stand straight up when the beaters are lifted. The gelatin adds both color and flavor to the divinity.
7. With the mixer running continuously, slowly and steadily pour the hot syrup into the egg-white mixture. Be careful as the hot syrup can splatter. Make sure the syrup is poured in a thin, constant stream.
8. Continue beating the mixture until it becomes very thick. This process can take several minutes, so be patient. The mixture will significantly increase in volume.
9. Stir in the ¾ cup of coarsely chopped walnuts and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
10. Spread the mixture into the prepared, greased baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to evenly distribute the divinity.
11. Let stand at room temperature until completely cool and set. This will take approximately 4 hours, or it can be left overnight. Avoid refrigerating the divinity, as it can affect the texture.
12. Once set, cut the divinity into 1-inch squares. Use a sharp knife and gently press down to create clean cuts.
13. Store the Cherry Divinity in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Temperature is Key: Achieving the hard-ball stage is crucial for the divinity to set properly. Using an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended to ensure accuracy. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the syrup frequently in ice water.
• Gradual Addition: Pouring the hot syrup gradually into the egg whites is essential to prevent the eggs from cooking. A slow, steady stream is best.
• Beat Thoroughly: Beat the mixture until it is very thick. This process aerates the mixture and creates the light, fluffy texture that is characteristic of divinity.
• Nut Preparation: Toasting the walnuts before chopping them enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the divinity.
• Prevent Sticking: Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent the divinity from sticking. You can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the set divinity out of the pan.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Cherry Divinity is best served at room temperature. Arrange the squares on a platter for an attractive presentation. It’s a wonderful addition to a holiday candy assortment or a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Store the Cherry Divinity in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week. Do not refrigerate, as this can make the divinity sticky. While it can be frozen, the texture may be slightly altered upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the squares individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	45 kcal	2%
Total Fat	1g	1%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	9g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	7g	–
Protein	0g	0%

• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Gelatin Flavors: Experiment with different flavors of gelatin for a variety of colors and tastes. Raspberry, strawberry, or even lime gelatin can create unique variations.
• Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts. You can substitute with dried cranberries, chopped maraschino cherries (drained well), or other small, colorful candies.
• Chocolate Divinity: Add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar mixture for a chocolate version.
• Peppermint Divinity: Substitute peppermint extract for the vanilla extract and add crushed peppermint candies to the mixture for a festive holiday treat.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my divinity not setting properly?
A: This is usually due to the syrup not reaching the hard-ball stage. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 260°F, or test frequently in ice water. Undercooked syrup will result in a soft, sticky divinity.

Q: Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?
A: Yes, a stand mixer works perfectly for this recipe. Use the whisk attachment to beat the egg whites and gradually pour in the hot syrup.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Cherry Divinity can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: What if I don’t have cherry gelatin?
A: You can use another red gelatin flavor, such as strawberry or raspberry, or even a clear gelatin with a few drops of red food coloring and cherry flavoring.

Q: Why is my divinity grainy?
A: This can happen if the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely during cooking. Make sure to stir the sugar, corn syrup, and water well before microwaving, and stir occasionally during cooking to prevent crystallization.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Divinity is more than just a candy; it’s a delightful reminder of simpler times and cherished family traditions. This recipe, while precise, is also an invitation to experiment and create your own variations, perhaps inspired by flavors that evoke your own fond memories. Don’t be intimidated by the candy-making process; with a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a batch of Cherry Divinity that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead, embrace the sweetness, and create a new tradition of your own! And please, let me know how yours turns out!