Classic Southern Divinity
Classic Southern Divinity is a nougat-like confection. It’s light and airy, and it’s often topped with pecans or dried fruit. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
As a kid, I remember loving the Sunday paper – and it was all because of the cartoons. The newspaper itself was left for Mom and Dad while I immediately reached in and pulled out the ‘funny pages.’ Garfield was always the highlight for me. I mean who doesn’t love a sarcastic lasagna-eating cat? Calvin and Hobbes was close behind. Who knew that a boy and his stuffed tiger could teach us so much about life? (On a side note, the image of naked Calvin running through the house while his Mom gives him one of those ‘Mom looks’ reminds me of when Robbie gets out of the bathtub at night!)
Also on the list was Peanuts. Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang have earned a permanent spot in our culture. The strip stopped publication in the year 2000, but we still see plenty of Peanuts related items. Think about it. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Halloween or Christmas, you don’t have to look hard to find Charlie Brown, Snoopy or Woodstock. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is still one of my favorite cartoons to watch each October. I keep saying I’m going to pull a Linus and catch the Great Pumpkin one of these years!
Speaking of Linus, he and his sister Lucy would often find themselves fighting with each other – just like most siblings, right? That’s why it was particularly entertaining to come across one Peanuts comic strip where Linus heaped praise on his sister. The reason? Divinity. This sweet treat is enough to stop sibling feuds…at least for a couple of minutes!
Classic Southern Divinity
If you’ve never had divinity, then put this recipe on your list of things to make! This Classic Southern Divinity is a nougat-like confection made from egg whites, sugar and light corn syrup. It’s unique for sure. I describe divinity as a cross between meringues and marshmallows. It’s hard to the touch like meringues, but soft on the inside like marshmallows. However, unlike marshmallows, divinity is not chewy.
In fact, the texture reminds me a bit of those butter mints that you used to find at restaurants in the 1980’s. Do you remember those? I can still picture the big round container that you would tip over to get a handful of soft mints. I haven’t seen those in years!
Divinity is often seen in candy and confectionery stores in the South, and I remember one candy store in Charleston, SC that made the best divinity. Funny enough, it seems that divinity itself isn’t necessarily Southern. Rather, divinity is often topped with whole toasted pecans, and pecans are closely associated with Southern recipes. Either way, divinity is a light and airy treat when you’re in the mood for something sweet. The pecan on top is optional, but highly recommended! Enjoy!
Did you make a batch of this Classic Southern Divinity at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog). I’d love to see your version!
Classic Southern Divinity
Ingredients
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 large egg whites room temperature
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup pecan halves lightly toasted
Instructions
- Using a large saucepan, add sugar, corn syrup and water; stir and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has completely dissolved. (Note: Use a large saucepan here as the mixture will approximately double in size as it’s heated.)
- Continue cooking, without stirring anymore, until temperature of mixture reaches 260°F. Meanwhile, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- With the mixer still running on medium speed, carefully pour hot syrup in a thin stream down the side of the mixing bowl. Add vanilla extract and continue beating on medium-high speed for 5-10 minutes or until mixture is no longer glossy and can hold its shape. (Tip: To test, drop a spoonful of divinity onto wax paper. If it holds its shape, then it’s ready. If it spreads out, then continue beating for another 1-2 minutes.)
- Using 2 spoons sprayed with non-stick baking spray, drop spoonfuls of mixture onto waxed paper.
- Gently push a pecan half into the center of each divinity.
- Let divinity stand at room temperature for 12 hours before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
Looking for more tasty dessert recipes? Check out these other favorites, too!
Will be making this soon can i use blender instead to save time after work i never had classic southern divinity before perfect for my after office snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
I’m not sure a blender is the best option here, Ramya. Since you’re looking to cook that mixture to a certain temperature, I’m afraid a blender wouldn’t give you the exact number you’re looking for. I do recommend this sweet treat, though! If you’ve never tried making candy at home, it’s a fun kitchen activity!
Oh yeah, who does not love a sarcastic lasagna-eating cat (Note to myself: make a lasagna just to see if Daisy likes it!) I’ve never heard the name “Classic Southern Divinity”, but I think I’ve tried something similar. At least I can clearly imagine their texture and taste, and it’s soooo good. Quite a unique cooking method, too!
Haha – be careful, Ben. You might need to rename Daisy to Garfield if she likes lasagna! 🙂 So Divinity is pretty awesome. It’s light and airy, and it can be found in bakeries/dessert shops all over the South. It’s also pretty easy to make as long as you use a candy thermometer. Cheers!
I have never heard of this David. It sounds delicious, perfect for my husband who has a sweet tooth.
Hey Gerlinde! I hope all is going well with you! 🙂 Yes, Divinity is great for someone with a sweet tooth. And while you still have to be careful with eating too many, Divinity isn’t as bad for you as some other holiday desserts. Haha! Cheers, my friend!
Man, you brought back some childhood memories with this post. First, the comic strips were always a favorite, especially the ones in the Sunday paper because those were printed in color.
Then the Divinity, was a flashback for me as I have fond memories of these being made for the holidays. I was always in charge of sorting the pecan we shelled and finding the intact halves to go on top, I loved to place the half pecan gingerly on top, pressing just enough to get them to say put.
Yes! I remember loving the Sunday paper as a kid – and it was entirely because of the “Funny Pages.” They still have ’em on Sundays…but it’s just not the same as when we were kids! This Divinity, though? Exactly as I remember it. Some things never change…fortunately! 🙂
Every year when my grandmother came to stay with us for Christmas, she always brought a tray of divinity. It was delicious. 😊
For some reason, it feels like Divinity has passed into obscurity – but it’s such a fun and unique treat! I say we bring it back, Karen! 🙂
This divinity is pure nostalgia for me, David! The version I grew up with didn’t have the pecan though – such a welcome addition!
Oh – you’ve got to try the pecan on top! It’s such a fun addition to divinity. 🙂
You reminded me of my childhood, definitely Sunday papers plus those placemats on restaurants with activities on the back.
Haha – I remember that placemats with activities on them. Oh, the good old days! 🙂 Thanks, Raymund!
divinity? such an interesting name for this sweet treat. somehow david you always make me feel that you are incredibly down home american. i don’t mean that as a bad thing at all!! it’s just so fascinating to me …. please don’t take it the wrong way …
Haha – I don’t take that the wrong way at home, Sherry! I grew up in a Southern American kitchen where my mom made many of the classic recipes…so that experience has certainly influenced me and the type of food I make these days. Divinity is an “old timey” recipe that isn’t seen as much any more – but it really is quite simple to make, and it’s a fun way to mix up the traditional array of holiday treats!