2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan
Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves
Continue cooking without stirring until mixture reaches hard-ball stage, 250°F to 260°F
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form
Slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites while beating constantly
Add vanilla extract
Beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes glossy
Fold in nuts
Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper or parchment paper
Let cool until firm