from Jennifer L.’s book, North Branch , MN

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. water
2 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1 or 2 drops food coloring (optional)
1/2 c. chopped candied fruit or dried fruit (optional)
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Preparation instructions

In a heavy 2-qt saucepan stir together sugar, corn syrup, and water. Clip candy thermometer to side of pan. Cook and stir over medium-high heat till sugar dissolves and mixture boils (5 to 7 min). Avoid splashing syrup on sides of pan.
Reduce heat; cook, without stirring, over medium heat to 260° (hard-ball stage). Mixture should boil gently over entire surface. Reaching hard ball stage should take about 15 min. Remove saucepan from heat. Immediately begin to beat egg whites in a large mixer bowl on medium speed of electric mixer till stiff peaks form.
Remove candy thermometer from the side of the sauce pan, gradually pour hot syrup in a thin stream (slightly less than 1/8 inch diameter) over egg whites, beating constantly on high speed of electric mixer. (add syrup slowly to ensure proper blending. This should take about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and a few drops of food coloring. Continue to beat just till candy starts to lose its gloss. When beaters are lifted, mixture should fall in a ribbon, but mound on itself and not disappear into remaining mixture. Final beating should take 5 to 6 minutes.
When candy is beaten enough, mixture will stay mounded in a soft shape when a spoonful is dropped onto waxed paper. When candy holds its shape, stir in fruits and nuts, if desired; quickly drop candy by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. If mixture flattens out, beat 1/2 to 1 minute more and check again. If mixture is too stiff to spoon and has a rough surface, beat in hot water a few drops at a time, till candy is a softer consistency.
Cool; store tightly covered.

Submitted by: Jennifer L