Christmas Divinity
["2 1/2 c. granulated sugar", "1/2 c. light corn syrup", "1/3 c. water", "2 egg whites", "1 tsp. vanilla", "3/4 c. coarsely chopped pecans or pistachios", "3/4 c. candied red and green cherries", "3 Tbsp. shortening", "1/2 c. cocoa"]
["In top of double boiler over hot water, melt shortening; add cocoa and stir until smooth.", "Set aside over warm water.", "In large saucepan, combine sugar, syrup and water; cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.", "Lower heat slightly and cook uncovered, without stirring, to 260\u00b0 (hard-ball stage).", "Remove from heat.", "Immediately, pour syrup in a thin stream into egg whites, beating on high speed of electric mixer.", "Add vanilla; beat until candy begins to hold its shape.", "Quickly blend in cocoa mixture, nuts and cherries.", "Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper."]
["sugar", "light corn syrup", "water", "egg whites", "vanilla", "pecans", "candied red", "shortening", "cocoa"]