What is Divinity?
Divinity is a classic Southern candy made from sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites. It is known for its delicate, fluffy texture and sweet, creamy flavor. While divinity is traditionally made from these basic ingredients, it can sometimes be difficult to achieve the perfect consistency. If your divinity is too soft or sticky, it can be difficult to shape and may not hold its form. In this case, you may need to thicken the divinity to get the desired texture.
How Do You Thicken Divinity? Here are Several Ways
There are a few different ways to thicken divinity, and the method you choose will depend on the stage of the cooking process and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few options to try:
- Cook the divinity longer: One of the simplest ways to thicken divinity is to cook it for a longer period of time. As the mixture boils, the water in the mixture will evaporate, leaving behind a thicker and more concentrated syrup. To do this, continue to cook the divinity over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the soft ball stage (234-240°F). At this point, the mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped from a spoon.
- Add more sugar: Another way to thicken divinity is to add more sugar to the mixture. As the mixture boils, the sugar will dissolve and help to thicken the syrup. To do this, simply add a little extra sugar to the mixture and continue to cook and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
- Use a thicker corn syrup: If you are having trouble achieving the right consistency with the ingredients you have on hand, you may want to try using a thicker corn syrup. Some brands of corn syrup are more concentrated than others, and using a thicker variety can help to thicken the divinity.
- Add powdered sugar: Another option is to add powdered sugar to the mixture after it has cooled slightly. The powdered sugar will help to absorb any excess moisture and give the divinity a firmer, more stable texture. To do this, simply mix in a little powdered sugar at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Chill the mixture: If the divinity is too soft or sticky to shape, you can try chilling it in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will help the mixture to firm up and become easier to work with.
No matter which method you choose, it is important to keep in mind that divinity is a finicky candy that can be affected by many different factors, including humidity, altitude, and the type of sugar and corn syrup used. As such, it may take a bit of trial and error to get the perfect consistency. With practice and patience, however, you should be able to achieve a perfect batch of thick, fluffy divinity every time.
