Butter Divinity
Drawing from the rich traditions of the past, Granny's Butter Divinity offers an incredibly satisfying taste that transports you back to simpler times. This alluring candy, with its light and fluffy texture, is akin to biting into a cloud. The heavenly blend of marshmallow, nougat, and fudge is enhanced by a generous scoop of farm-fresh butter, adding a creamy richness to this old-school delight. This is the original charm of Butter Divinity, a timeless classic that has been loved for generations.
Granny's Butter Divinity recipe is not just about taste, but also about versatility. It's completely understandable if you want to tweak the recipe to suit your palate. For instance, substituting white sugar with brown sugar creates a cheeky variation known as “sea foam” candy. If you're looking for alternative sweeteners, maple syrup or honey can replace corn syrup, offering a different, yet equally compelling, sweetness to this traditional candy.
In the world of confectionery, divinity stands out as a unique treat. The term "divinity" is often associated with the divine, heavenly taste of this candy. Butter Divinity, in particular, is a variant that adds a creamy, buttery dimension to the classic divinity. The ingredients are straightforward - sugar, syrup, and butter, among others - and the preparation doesn't require any special skills. Yet, the result is an exquisite candy that seems to capture the joy and love of Granny's kitchen. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or as a regular treat, Butter Divinity is sure to light up your taste buds and bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients
- 4 cups white sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg whites
- 1⁄2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- 1. Combine sugar, syrup, salt, and 1 cup water in a large saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Boil rapidly until you can form a hard ball in cold water with a little bit of the mixture.
- 2. Remove from heat and pour over stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly. Add butter and vanilla. Beat until stiff.
- 3. Drop by spoonfuls on wax or parchment paper. If desired, top with cordial cherries or nuts (or both!)
Butter Divinity - Heaven on Earth
Indulge in a divine confection that has graced American tables for over a century - butter divinity. This heavenly treat, light and fluffy like clouds, is a testament to the sublime flavors that simple ingredients can create. The secret to its ethereal taste? A generous scoop of butter, lending a creamy richness that elevates this old-school delight to divine status.
The Origins of Butter Divinity
The origins of butter divinity are as intriguing as its taste. Believed to have originated in the U.S. during the early 1900s, the candy's current form can be traced to a recipe from 1915. Another earlier version, which included the use of milk, can be traced to around 1907. The advent of corn syrup, a cost-effective alternative to cane sugar, in the early 20th century played a significant role in the creation of this confection. New recipes incorporating corn syrup were frequently created by major manufacturers, one of which may have been divinity.
This original divinity candy, made without butter, was likely an even lighter and fluffier confection. The basic ingredients were just corn syrup, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla. Whipping the egg whites into stiff peaks and carefully folding them into the cooked sugar mixture resulted in a cloud-like, melt-in-your-mouth texture. While delicious in its own right, the addition of butter in later recipes added a rich, creamy dimension that took divinity to new heights of decadence.
A Divine Treat with Southern Roots
The name "divinity" is believed to have been inspired by the divine taste of the finished product. Today, divinity is a staple in many American cookbooks and can be found in various forms such as candy, fudge, and rolls. Although divinity is often associated with southern cuisine, it is enjoyed nationwide and can be customized with ingredients like nuts and fruit. Butter divinity, however, is considered the candy's most elevated form.
Adding butter to the recipe ensures a rich and creamy flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, making butter divinity is easy and fun. However, it's important to note that humidity during preparation can affect the quality of divinity. For a batch to be successful, the humidity must be low enough for the candy to dry properly. Also, divinity, like many other confections and baked goods, needs to have its recipe altered for high-altitude areas.
Butter Divinity: A Homestyle Cooking Tradition
In the world of homestyle cooking, butter divinity holds a special place as a beloved treat that has been passed down through generations. This delightful candy represents the essence of classic American cuisine, where simple ingredients are transformed into something truly divine through time-honored techniques and a touch of love.
Whether you're a fan of butter divinity or just discovering its delights, this confection is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the rich flavors and traditions of homestyle cooking. Imagine the joy of presenting a batch of freshly made butter divinity to your loved ones, watching their faces light up as they savor the buttery sweetness and airy texture of this heavenly treat.
So why not try your hand at this heavenly confection? Experience the divine taste of butter divinity and keep the tradition of this classic American confection alive in your own kitchen. Embrace the rich culinary heritage that butter divinity represents, and create cherished memories with every bite.