Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a cloud nine? This divinity recipe with Jello isn't your grandma's divinity—it's a delightful twist on a classic, adding a vibrant fruity twist and a surprisingly easy preparation. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times; this recipe is perfect for those seeking delicious, easy recipes for a delightful dessert or a quick treat. This recipe is also a great option for healthy meals, as it can be adapted to use less sugar. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (3 ounce) package Jello, any flavor (strawberry, raspberry, or cherry are recommended)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Prepare the sugar syrup:
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In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
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Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. This is crucial for the divinity's texture.
Whip the egg whites:
- While the sugar syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites and salt in a clean, dry bowl with an electric mixer until stiff, glossy peaks form. Room temperature egg whites whip up better.
Combine and fold:
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Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites, while beating on low speed. Be careful – the syrup is very hot!
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Continue beating on medium-high speed until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and the dissolved Jello. (Dissolve the Jello in 1/4 cup of hot water before adding). Gently fold in any desired nuts.
Shape and set:
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Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. This creates the characteristic peaks and valleys of divinity.
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Let the divinity set at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
Tips for Success:
- Use a candy thermometer: Accurate temperature is key for the correct consistency.
- Don't overbeat: Overbeating can lead to a grainy texture.
- Work quickly: Once the sugar syrup is added to the egg whites, work efficiently to incorporate everything.
- Let it set completely: Patience is a virtue here! Allow the divinity to fully set for the best texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Divinity: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar syrup.
- Citrus Divinity: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a refreshing twist.
- Spice it up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Nutritional information will vary depending on the Jello flavor and added nuts. For a general idea, a serving (approximately 1/12 of the recipe) may contain around 200-250 calories, with varying amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Consult a nutrition calculator for a more precise breakdown based on your specific ingredient choices.
This divinity recipe with Jello offers a delightful balance of sweetness and fruity flavors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. The best recipes are often the easiest, and this one truly embodies that sentiment. Enjoy!