by Teresa Austringer

Created on: March 24, 2009   Last Updated: March 25, 2009

The most important thing to remember about storing divinity is that it needs to be stored in an airtight container. Divinity can harden and dry out, but if stored in an airtight container it can be kept for up to two weeks. The best way to store it is in an airtight container with waxed paper between the layers, so that the candies won't stick to each other. It can also be kept longer if frozen.

Research has shown that sugar in candy continues to crystallize while being stored. The meringue matrix that the sugar in divinity is suspended in helps to prevent that, and contributes to that 'melts your mouth' taste. The corn syrup in the recipe also helps divinity last longer.

Divinity is so sensitive to humidity that you can't make it if it's raining outside! Your lovely candies will turn into a gooey mess. The candies actually suck the moisture out of the air and it ruins the delicate balance of moisture to sugar.

Divinity is a candy that appears to have been invented in the U.S., in the early 1900's. It's a light meringue type candy, made with sugar, corn syrup, water and egg whites. Some recipes add nuts or vanilla, or other flavors such as mint or orange. Southern divinity is divinity garnished with a pecan half on the top.

It requires a lot of beating to make it a light airy candy. The main ingredients could be said to be sugar and air! Insufficient beating can affect whether or not there's enough air in the candy. If the mixture won't hold up, try beating again for a minute or so.

Small differences in water measurement can influence whether the candy sets or not. Too dry and the candy can be too hard. Too much water and it won't harden. You can add drops of water if the mixture gets too thick before you're finished.

And of course, you need to have an accurate thermometer when heating the syrup-corn syrup, sugar, salt and water. It won't work if it hasn't been heated to the proper temperature to finish the syrup.

If you don't make your own divinity, it can be purchased commercially. Commercial divinity is usually produced under conditions of low humidity with exact recipes, so their divinity always sets up! Of course it has preservative so proper storage is not as much of an issue. Simply follow the directions on the package.

It is assumed, although not proven, that divinity is named after its divine taste. If you make these light airy sweet concoctions for your family, storage is not going to be a big issue! But if you want to save some for later, remember to keep them cool and in an airtight container.

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