Divinity

In a 2-quart saucepan, combine first 4 ingredients.

Cook and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil.

Cook to hard ball stage or 250°, without stirring.

Remove from heat. Immediately beat 2 egg whites until stiff.

Pour hot syrup slowly over egg whites, beating on high speed about 5 minutes.

Add 1 or more teaspoons of vanilla.

Beat until mixture loses gloss and forms soft peaks (mixer will have higher pitch when ready).

Add pecans.

Drop on wax paper.