1
In a 2 quart saucepan mix your sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
2
Cook to hardball stage, (260 degrees), stirring only until the sugar dissolves completely.
3
Meanwhile, as temperature of syrup reaches 250 degrees, beat your egg whites until stiff peaks can be made by lifting your fork in and out of the mix.
4
When syrup reaches 260 degrees, very slowly add the syrup to the egg whites, while beating at a high speed with electric mixer.
5
Add the vanilla and beat until your candy holds its shape, usually 4 to 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the chopped nuts or cherries, if you want to, this step IS optional.
7
Quickly drop the candy from a teaspoon onto some waxed paper, swirling the top of each piece for decoration.
8
Let cool, and enjoy! After all, what is Christmas season, without Divinity?