3 cups sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup water
2 egg whites
1 (3-ounce) package any fruit-flavored gelatin
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup fine-grated coconut (optional)

Mix sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over low heat; stir to dissolve sugar. Continue boiling, stirring occasionally, until a little syrup forms a hard ball in cold water (or to 252 degrees on a candy thermometer) - about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Add gelatin, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat until mixture will stand in stiff peaks. Then pour syrup in a thin stream over the egg white mixture; beat constantly. Continue beating until mixture will hold its shape and loses its gloss - about 10 minutes with electric mixer.

Add nuts; quickly pour into a well-greased, 9-inch square pan or drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper and allow to dry. Let stand in pan until firm enough to handle, about 10 minutes.

Cut into eight strips, roll in coconut and cut each strip into 10 to 12 pieces. Roll in coconut again. Allow to dry about two hours. Store in a covered container.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel Co.