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

2 1/2 cups sugar

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