Divinity

Mix together first 4 ingredients in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat; cook without stirring until temperature reaches 248 degrees. Beat egg whites in large bowl until stiff but not dry. Beating constantly, on high speed of electric mixer, slowly pour about half the hot syrup over egg whites. Then cook remaining syrup to 272 degrees, or until small amount separates into threads that are hard but not brittle when dropped into cold water. Beating constantly, pour hot syrup slowly over first mixture. Continue beating until mixture begins to lose its gloss and a small amount of mixture holds soft peak when dropped from a spoon. Mix in vanilla and nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper.