Divinity Candy has been a beloved recipe since the early 1900s. This nougat-like confection is made from a light and fluffy meringue spiked with a hint of eggnog for a festive holiday touch. Remember that divinity needs a low humidity environment in order to set properly, so consider the weather before you whip up a batch of this classic treat.
Spread a very thin layer of aluminum foil with cooking oil and set aside.
In a medium saucepan bring sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil. Once boiling, place a lid on pan for 2 minutes and then remove. The lid will trap steam which in turn will run down sides and take down any sugar crystals stuck to the side of pan. This is a very important step to prevent sugar mixture from turning grainy and crystallizing during boiling process.
Cook on high heat but if working on gas make sure that flames do not go up sides. Absolutely do not stir in pan as this will make syrup grainy!
When syrup has reached 245°F start whipping egg whites on medium speed in a stand mixer fitted with a whip attachment.
When syrup has reached 258°F remove from heat. Engage mixer in high speed. Pour syrup into whipping egg whites but make sure to pour it along inner wall of the bowl instead of pouring it towards middle of bowl.
At first mixture will be runny but will thicken and become thick meringue. After about 4- minutes remove a tablespoon amount and check to see if it holds it’s shape. If it does, stop mixing, otherwise mix slightly longer and retest.
Remove from machine and mix in Rum extract and nutmeg. Add most of toasted almonds retaining few to sprinkle on top.
Using 2 spoons drop mixture quickly onto prepared foil. Sprinkle with a few almonds. Keep airtight.