This is the first candy recipe I remember making on my own.

Divinity

2 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water (use 1 Tbsp. less on humid days)
2 egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup broken nuts (opt)

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup and water over low heat. Stir constantly until sugar is dissolved.

2. Cook, without stirring to 260*F or until small amount dropped into ice cold water forms a hard ball (hard ball stage). Remove pan from heat.

3. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Pour the hot sugar syrup mixture in a thin, steady stream into the egg white while continuing to beat.

4. Add vanilla and continue to beat until the mixture becomes so stiff it holds its shape, and begins to look slightly dull rather than shiny.

5. Fold nuts in, if using.

6. Using a buttered spoon, drop about 1-inch diameter globs of candy mixture onto waxed paper. Let set.

Makes about 4 dozen candies (less if not using nuts).