Strawberry Divinity 

Ingredients

3 c. sugar
3/4 c. light corn syrup
3/4 c. water
1/8 tsp. salt
2 egg whites
1 pkg. strawberry flavored gelatin **
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. flaked coconut (Optional)
1 c. pecans or walnuts, chopped (Optional)

Directions

Line 2 cookie sheets with waxed paper. Set aside for later. 

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water and salt.  Stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar, heat to boiling over medium to medium high heat. When it begins to boil, continue cooking, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage. Hard ball stage is 250° to 266°.

While the mixture is boiling, beat the egg whites with a mixer at high speed.  When the egg whites are foamy, add the strawberry gelatin. Continue beating until mixture forms peaks.  

Remember to check your candy syrup boiling on the stove so you don't over cook it. When it reaches the hard ball stage, slowly pour in the hot syrup in a thin stream. Continue beating at high speed until the mixture begins to hold shape and becomes dull or looses it's shine.

If you are unsure on whether the candy is the right consistency, stop the mixer and remove a spoonful of the candy. Drop it on a sheet of waxed paper. Itf it holds it's shape, then the candy is perfect. If it flattens out, then you need to mix it more. 

At this point, mix in the flaked coconut and/or nuts to the candy.

Spoon out a heaping teaspoonful or tablespoonful of the mixture and drop it onto the waxed paper. I use two lightly buttered spoons to do this. One spoon to scoop the divinity out of the bowl and the other to help push the divinity onto the sheet of waxed paper. 

Allow the strawberry divinity to set up for at least 4 hours or over-night. 

** You can use any flavored gelatin that you like.