Prepare Candy Centers and refrigerate until well chilled.
Prepared Chocolate Coating. When the chocolate has set on the candy eggs, decorate with Royal Icing if desired.
Makes approximately 2 dozen candy Easter eggs.
Before beginning to make the candy, have all ingredients prepared and ready to use.
Line a large Cookie Sheet with Parchment Paper or line with Silicone Baking Mats; set aside.
In a large bowl using your Electric Mixer, beat egg whites just until soft peaks form; turn mixer off and set aside.
In a medium-size, heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Clip a thermometer to the inside of the pan, raise the heat temperature to medium high, and continue to cook, without stirring. The sugar mixture will cook until it reaches a temperature of 260 degrees F.
As the temperature of the sugar mixture reaches 245 to 250 degrees F., resume beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form; turn mixer off and set aside.
When the temperature of the sugar mixture reaches 260 degrees F., immediately remove the pan from the heat. Immediately start pouring the hot sugar mixture, in a thin steady stream, into the beaten egg whites, while beating with an electric mixer at high speed.
Slowly add the vanilla extract and continue beating at high speed until the candy changes from a smooth shiny texture to a rough dull texture. This will take approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
As soon as the texture changes to the rough dull texture, slow the electric mixer to a medium speed and add the white chocolate pieces, stirring until the chocolate is melted and well mixed in. Add the nuts and stir until combined. NOTE: The candy will be stiff and difficult to stir. If necessary, turn the mixture out onto a board and knead with your hands to mix the nuts into the candy.
Using your hands, shape candy into egg shapes, about 2-inches in diameter. Place the candy eggs on the prepared Cookie Sheet, cover and refrigerate until well chilled, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Learn different techniques for How To Melt Chocolate.
In the top of a double boiler over hot water, melt chocolate and vegetable shortening; stirring to combine. HINT: Create a double boiler by filling a saucepan with 2 inches of water; bring just to a simmer. Place a stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowl on top of the simmering water (the upper pan/dish should not touch the water below).
Remove the chilled candy eggs from the refrigerator. One at a time, place each egg on the end of a dinner fork; dip the eggs into the melted chocolate mixture to coat, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the pan. Use a toothpick to push the eggs off the fork and onto the baking pans; let sit until the chocolate is set.
When the chocolate has set on the candy eggs, decorate with Royal Icing if desired.
Vanilla Nut Easter Egg Candy Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/candy/vanilla-nut-easter-candy.htm