Divinity, that cloud-like confection of sugar, egg whites, and nuts, is a holiday staple for many. But sometimes, things go awry. Instead of a melt-in-your-mouth experience, you’re left with a rock-hard candy that’s more of a jaw workout than a sweet treat. Fear not! Softening hard divinity is possible, and with a little patience and the right techniques, you can restore your divinity to its former glory.
Understanding Why Divinity Gets Hard
Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why divinity hardens in the first place. Several factors contribute to this common problem, and knowing them will help you prevent it in the future.
Overcooking the Sugar
The most common culprit is overcooking the sugar syrup. Divinity relies on achieving a specific sugar temperature to create its delicate texture. If the syrup is cooked for too long, it becomes too hard, resulting in a brittle final product. Temperature is crucial; a candy thermometer is your best friend.
Insufficient Moisture
Divinity needs a certain amount of moisture to remain soft. Evaporation, especially if stored improperly, can lead to hardening. Proper storage is key.
Ingredient Ratios
Inaccurate ingredient ratios can also lead to a hard final product. Too much sugar compared to egg whites can throw off the delicate balance and result in a hard candy. Accurate measurements are essential.
Environmental Factors
Even the weather can play a role! Humidity levels can affect the candy-making process and the final texture of the divinity. Consider humidity when making divinity.
The Steaming Method: A Gentle Approach
One of the most effective ways to soften hard divinity is through steaming. This method gently introduces moisture back into the candy without melting it completely.
Preparing for Steaming
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need a steamer basket, a pot with a lid that fits the steamer basket, and some parchment paper or a heat-safe plate.
The Steaming Process
Place the hard divinity pieces in a single layer on the parchment paper or plate inside the steamer basket. Fill the pot with water, ensuring the water level is below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a simmer, then place the steamer basket over the pot and cover it with the lid.
Monitoring the Softening
Let the divinity steam for 5-10 minutes, checking its consistency every couple of minutes. You want the divinity to soften slightly, not melt. Keep a close eye on the divinity while steaming.
Removing and Cooling
Once the divinity has softened to your desired consistency, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Let the divinity cool completely before handling it. This will allow the texture to stabilize.
The Microwave Method: A Quick Fix
If you’re short on time, the microwave can be used to soften hard divinity, but caution is advised. This method can easily lead to melting if not done carefully.
Preparing for Microwaving
Place the hard divinity pieces in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
The Microwaving Process
Microwave the divinity in short bursts of 5-10 seconds each. After each burst, check the consistency. You want the divinity to soften slightly, not melt. Microwave in very short intervals.
Monitoring the Softening
Be extremely vigilant during this process. Divinity can go from hard to melted very quickly in the microwave.
Removing and Cooling
Once the divinity has softened to your desired consistency, remove the plate from the microwave. Let the divinity cool completely before handling it.
The Storage Solution: Preventing Hardening in the First Place
The best way to avoid having to soften hard divinity is to store it properly in the first place. Proper storage can significantly extend the shelf life and maintain the desired texture.
Airtight Containers are Essential
Store your divinity in an airtight container. This will prevent moisture from escaping and prevent the candy from drying out and hardening.
Layering with Parchment Paper
When storing multiple layers of divinity in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer. This will prevent the pieces from sticking together.
Cool, Dry Place is Ideal
Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Extreme temperatures can affect the texture and consistency of the divinity.
Avoid Refrigeration
Avoid storing divinity in the refrigerator. The refrigerator can introduce excess moisture, which can make the divinity sticky or cause it to absorb odors. Refrigeration is not recommended.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best efforts, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems encountered while trying to soften hard divinity.
Melting Instead of Softening
If the divinity starts to melt instead of soften, immediately remove it from the heat source (steamer or microwave). Let it cool completely and assess the damage. If it’s only slightly melted, you may be able to salvage it by reshaping it while it’s still pliable.
Divinity Becomes Sticky
If the divinity becomes sticky, it means it has absorbed too much moisture. Try placing it in a dry environment, such as a room with a dehumidifier, to help it dry out slightly.
Divinity Remains Hard
If the divinity remains hard after attempting the steaming or microwave method, it may be too far gone. You can try repeating the process, but be careful not to overheat it. Alternatively, consider using the hard divinity in a different way, such as crumbling it over ice cream or incorporating it into other desserts.
Alternative Uses for Hard Divinity
Even if you can’t fully restore your hard divinity to its original soft state, don’t despair! There are still plenty of ways to enjoy it.
Divinity Crumble Topping
Crush the hard divinity into small pieces and use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or fruit. The crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft base.
Divinity in Baked Goods
Incorporate the crushed divinity into baked goods such as cookies, brownies, or muffins. It adds a unique sweetness and texture.
Divinity in Hot Chocolate
Add a few pieces of hard divinity to your hot chocolate for a sweet and flavorful twist. The divinity will slowly melt and add a creamy texture to the drink.
Divinity Bark
Melt chocolate and spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the crushed divinity over the melted chocolate and let it set. This creates a delicious and easy-to-make bark.
Preventing Hard Divinity in the Future
The best way to deal with hard divinity is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for making perfect, soft divinity every time.
Use a Candy Thermometer
A candy thermometer is essential for accurately monitoring the temperature of the sugar syrup. This will help you avoid overcooking the sugar. Invest in a good candy thermometer.
Follow the Recipe Carefully
Divinity recipes can be finicky, so it’s important to follow the recipe carefully and accurately. Pay close attention to ingredient ratios and cooking times. Precision is key to divinity success.
Consider Humidity
Humidity can affect the texture of divinity, so it’s best to make it on a dry day. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier in your kitchen while making divinity.
Whip the Egg Whites Properly
The egg whites need to be whipped to stiff peaks before adding them to the sugar syrup. This will help create the light and airy texture that divinity is known for. Stiff peaks are crucial for light divinity.
Store Properly
As mentioned earlier, proper storage is essential for maintaining the texture of divinity. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Making and maintaining the perfect divinity candy can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can salvage hard batches and prevent future failures. Remember the importance of temperature control, proper storage, and understanding the role of each ingredient. With a little practice, you’ll be enjoying soft, melt-in-your-mouth divinity every time.
Why did my divinity candy turn out so hard?
Several factors can contribute to divinity’s notorious hardness. Primarily, overcooking the sugar syrup is a common culprit. When the syrup reaches too high of a temperature, it crystallizes and hardens excessively as it cools, resulting in a rock-like consistency. Incorrect humidity levels during preparation and storage can also lead to excessive drying and hardening of the candy.
Another reason could be the lack of sufficient moisture in the recipe or its premature evaporation. Ensure your ingredients are fresh and accurately measured according to the recipe. The beating process is also crucial; under-beating may prevent the ingredients from properly emulsifying, contributing to a denser, harder final product.
What is the best way to soften hard divinity candy?
One effective method involves using steam to reintroduce moisture into the hardened divinity. Place the divinity pieces in a heat-safe bowl or steamer basket over a simmering pot of water. Cover the bowl or basket tightly to trap the steam and allow the candy to absorb moisture for about 10-15 minutes, or until the candy reaches a softer consistency. Check the candy periodically and adjust the steaming time as needed to avoid over-softening.
Alternatively, you can use a damp paper towel method. Lightly dampen a paper towel (it should be damp, not soaking wet) and wrap it around the hard divinity pieces in an airtight container. Seal the container and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, or overnight. The moisture from the towel will gradually soften the candy. Be sure to monitor the candy’s consistency regularly to prevent it from becoming too soft or sticky.
Can I use a microwave to soften hard divinity candy?
Yes, you can carefully use a microwave to soften hard divinity, but it requires close attention to avoid melting the candy entirely. Place a few pieces of divinity on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave on low power in very short intervals, such as 5-10 seconds at a time.
After each interval, check the candy’s texture. The goal is to introduce just enough heat and moisture to soften it slightly. Over-microwaving will cause the sugar to melt and become sticky, potentially ruining the batch. This method is best for immediate consumption, as the candy may reharden more quickly.
How do I prevent my softened divinity from hardening again?
To prevent your softened divinity from hardening again, proper storage is essential. Store the softened candy in an airtight container at room temperature. A container with a tight-fitting lid will help to prevent moisture loss and keep the candy soft for a longer period.
Adding a slice of bread or an apple slice to the container can also help maintain the candy’s moisture level. The bread or apple will release moisture into the enclosed space, keeping the divinity soft. Remember to replace the bread or apple slice every few days to prevent mold growth and maintain freshness.
What if the divinity is too sticky after softening?
If your divinity becomes too sticky after attempting to soften it, there are a couple of remedies you can try. First, gently coat the individual pieces with powdered sugar. The powdered sugar will absorb some of the excess moisture and create a less sticky surface.
Another approach is to place the sticky divinity pieces on a sheet of parchment paper and allow them to air dry for a short period. However, be very careful not to let them dry for too long, as they could harden again. The goal is to remove just enough surface moisture to reduce the stickiness.
Can I add ingredients to the softened divinity to improve its texture or flavor?
Yes, you can potentially add ingredients to softened divinity to improve its texture or flavor, but this requires careful consideration and gentle handling. Finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be mixed into the softened candy to add texture and flavor complexity.
However, it’s important to work quickly and gently to avoid overworking the candy. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a small amount of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a pinch of sea salt. Add these flavorings sparingly and mix them in thoroughly, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the softened divinity.
Are there any recipes that specifically address making softer divinity?
Yes, many recipes are designed to yield a softer, more tender divinity. These recipes often incorporate ingredients or techniques that help to retain moisture and prevent excessive hardening. Look for recipes that use cream of tartar, which helps to prevent sugar crystallization and promote a smoother texture.
Some recipes also incorporate a higher ratio of liquid ingredients, such as corn syrup or butter, to increase the moisture content. Additionally, pay close attention to the recommended cooking temperature of the sugar syrup. Using a candy thermometer and carefully monitoring the temperature is crucial for achieving the desired consistency. Avoid overcooking the syrup, as this is a primary cause of hard divinity.