Delicate, airy, and irresistibly sweet, this Old-Fashioned Apricot Walnut Divinity is a confection that evokes the charm of a bygone era. Made with beaten egg whites and hot sugar syrup, this classic candy has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s light yet rich. Tender pieces of dried apricot add a fruity brightness, while toasted walnuts add a lovely crunch. Perfect for holiday trays or handmade gifts, these creamy, cloud-like candies are as beautiful as they are nostalgic — a true taste of vintage sweetness.
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup cold water
2/3 cup chopped dried apricots
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts
METHOD:
Butter a 9 × 13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then cover the pan for 3 minutes to wash down any sugar crystals from the sides.
Remove the lid and cook without stirring until the syrup reaches 252°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
While the syrup cooks, beat the egg whites in a large, heatproof mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream into the beaten egg whites. Once all the syrup is added, increase the mixer speed to high. Continue beating until the mixture thickens, holds its shape, and loses its glossy sheen — about 6–8 minutes.
Beat in the vanilla extract, then fold in the chopped dried apricots and walnuts until evenly distributed.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Let cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours. Cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife lightly coated with butter or cooking spray.
Keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks, separating layers with wax paper.
YIELD: 36 one-inch pieces
GIFT IDEAS:
Vintage Candy Box: Pack divinity squares in a decorative tin lined with wax paper and tie with lace or ribbon for a nostalgic, homemade touch.
Holiday Candy Sampler: Combine with Vanilla Almond Caramels and Almond Butter Crunch Toffee for an elegant trio of hand-crafted sweets.
Tea-Time Gift Basket: Include divinity candies with a tin of Darjeeling tea and shortbread cookies for a charming afternoon tea pairing.
Hostess Gift: Arrange in a clear cellophane bag tied with an apricot-colored ribbon and a tag reading “Handmade Apricot Walnut Divinity – A Sweet Taste of Tradition.”
SOURCE: Recipe courtesy of B & R Farms, from Elsie Rossi’s sister.
