2 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) or 1/2 cup cherries (optional

1 In a 2 quart saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. 2 Cook to hardball stage, (260 degrees), stirring only until sugar dissolves. 3 Meanwhile, as temperature of syrup reaches 250 degrees, beat egg white till stiff peaks form. 4 When syrup reaches 260 degrees, very gradually add the syrup to egg whites, beating at high speed with electric mixer. 5 Add vanilla and beat until candy holds its shape, 4-5 minutes. 6 Stir in the chopped nuts or cherries, if desired. 7 Quickly drop candy from a teaspoon onto waxed paper, swirling the top of each piece. 8 Let cool My mom always put 1/2 of a pecan on each piece