Old-Fashioned Divinity
["2 1/2 c. granulated sugar", "1/2 c. light corn syrup", "1/2 c. water", "1/4 tsp. salt", "2 egg whites", "1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)", "1 tsp. vanilla"]
["In a 2-quart saucepan, combine sugar, syrup, water and salt. Cook to hard ball stage (260\u00b0), stirring only until sugar dissolves.", "Meanwhile, as temperature of syrup reaches 250\u00b0, beat 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form.", "When syrup reaches 260\u00b0, very gradually add the syrup to egg whites, beating at high speed on electric mixer.", "Add vanilla and beat until candy holds its shape (about 4 to 5 minutes).", "If desired, add chopped nuts.", "Drop from a teaspoon on waxed paper.", "Makes about 40 pieces."]
["sugar", "light corn syrup", "water", "salt", "egg whites", "nuts", "vanilla"]