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Tanghulu is a sweet treat made from fruits coated in hard candy. It has roots in Chinese culture and is often enjoyed at festivals. You might find it sold at street stalls, especially during celebrations. The colorful, shiny appearance makes tanghulu both tasty and fun to look at.

Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit)

Discover the sweet world of Tanghulu, the delightful Chinese candied fruit that's a favorite street food! Learn about its rich history and cultural importance, and dive into the simple recipe to make this crunchy treat at home. With various fruit options and creative serving ideas, Tanghulu is perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy making this fun, delicious treat!
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Ingredients
  

10-12 small firm fruits (such as strawberries, grapes, or mini apples)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup corn syrup

A pinch of salt

Skewers (wooden or metal)

Optional: edible gold leaf or colorful sprinkles for decoration

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fruit: Rinse the fruits under cold water and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. If using larger fruits, like mini apples, you may need to peel and slice them into bite-sized portions.

    Skewer the Fruits: Insert a skewer into each piece of fruit, leaving a bit of space at the bottom for handling. If using smaller fruits, you can skewer multiple pieces on one stick to create a fruit bouquet effect.

      Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

        Cook the Syrup: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Avoid stirring now to prevent crystallization. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; once it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), remove it from the heat.

          Coat the Fruit: Quickly dip each skewer of fruit into the hot syrup, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow any excess syrup to drip off back into the pot.

            Cool Down: Place the coated fruit skewers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them cool for about 10-15 minutes until the sugar coating hardens.

              Optional Decoration: For a festive touch, gently press edible gold leaf or colorful sprinkles onto the still-warm syrup-coated fruit.

                Serve and Enjoy: Your Tanghulu is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for the best crunch, or store in a cool, dry place for up to a few hours.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the skewers upright in a decorative cup or vase for an eye-catching centerpiece at parties or gatherings.