Divinity for Newbies

Directions

1. 1
   Stir the first four ingredients together in a saucepan over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
2. 2
   Set timer for 20 minutes (this is so you will know when to begin mixing the egg whites).
3. 3
   Boil without stirring to 265 degrees on a candy thermometer or until a little mixture that is dropped in cold water forms a hard, almost brittle ball.
4. 4
   (Expect this to typically take about 25 minutes.
5. 5
   ).
6. 6
   When timer goes off and while your sugar mixture has not yet reached 265 degrees, beat your egg whites until they form stiff peaks - typically 5-8 minutes on a setting of 4 on a Kitchenaid mixer.
7. 7
   Remove syrup from heat once it has reached 265 and **slowly** pour over stiffly beaten egg whites while beating with a mixer.
8. 8
   Continue mixing until mixture loses its gloss and a small amount that is dropped from a spoon holds its shape.
9. 9
   Specifically, this takes me about 10-15 minutes on level 4 on my kitchenaid mixer.
10. 10
    Fold in vanilla.
11. 11
    Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper to cool.
12. 12
    Store in sealed container - they will go stale if left out!