Devoid of Divinity & Other Divines

One of Grandma Crane's favorite Christmas treats was Divinity. We always colored it pink or green. It isn't easy to make, because if you stir it too much it goes grainy. Mixing it wrong could turn into a runny mess that won't harden to perfection. I don't plan to try the finicky confection.

Cereal Candy was another staple at Christmas parties and oft requested. No one in the family has mastered the treat quite the same as Mom did. She began stocking up on Cheerios, Rice Krispies and Cornflakes a month in advance. It is easy to make with only corn syrup, cream and sugar in the syrup.

Caramel Candy was a monthly treat, made often. Mom liked to cook it to the hard stage. The advantage was, the candy would last longer. Instead of cutting it and wrapping it, we would leave it in the pan, then break off pieces of the hard candy with the handle of a knife. Brother Jim, would take 2x2 inch pieces. One piece wasn't enough, because we wanted some for now and put the rest in our pocked for later.

Once we tried Steamed Carrot Pudding. It cooked in a water bath for three hours inside a canning jar. I loved the caramel sauce on it. It was good, but too time consuming to do.

The making and taking of goodies as gifts was one of the highlights of Christmas. We seldom bought candy.