Tanghulu is a traditional snack in China. It's made of fresh fruit covered in a sugary shell and is served on bamboo skewers. You don't need to book a trip to China to enjoy this tasty treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make tanghulu at home. Here's how to DIY this colorful and delicious snack.
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Things You'll Need
4 to 6 cups fruit (strawberries, mandarin oranges, grapes or berries)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
Bamboo skewers
Candy thermometer
Tip
Wash the fruits and pat them dry. The sugar mixture will not stick if the fruits are wet. Also, if you are using strawberries, remove the stems. You can halve or double this recipe.
Step 1
Insert each skewer into a few pieces of fruit. The skewers will be easier to dip if you only add one to three pieces of fruit depending on their size.
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Tip
If you are using small fruits, like blueberries, you can add more pieces per skewer.
Step 2
In a pot over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until it reaches 300 to 315°F on a candy thermometer. This can take 15 to 20 minutes. Do not stir the mixture.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 3
Remove from the heat. Dip each skewer into the syrup, rotating it to make sure the fruits are completely coated. Work quickly. Depending on the size of your pot, you may need to tilt it to let the syrup pool on one side.
Tip
Be careful when handling the hot syrup. Use extra caution if you're making this treat with kids.
Step 4
Place the fruits on the baking sheet until they are cool and hardened.
Enjoy!