Indulging in sweet treats often involves finding the perfect balance between flavors and textures. If you’re a fan of fruit and a lover of sweets, then tanghulu might just become your new favorite dessert. Originating from China, tanghulu is a delightful confection consisting of fresh fruit coated in a crisp, glossy sugar shell. Its combination of juicy fruit and crunchy sugar makes it a delightful treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this irresistible delicacy in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 lb strawberries, blueberries, grapes, or any other fruit of your choice (Note: You can mix and match fruits according to your preference and availability.)
Directions:
- Prep the Fruit: Begin by washing your chosen fruit thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel. If necessary, remove stems or any unwanted parts from the fruit. Once cleaned and prepped, carefully arrange the fruit on skewers. This step not only makes the fruit easier to handle but also adds a decorative touch to your tanghulu.
- Make the Tanghulu Sugar: In a saucepan, combine the white sugar and water over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and continue to cook the syrup until it reaches 300°F/150°C. This is known as the hard crack stage, where the sugar syrup forms a hard, glossy shell when cooled.
- Coat the Fruit: Once the sugar syrup reaches the desired temperature, carefully dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Be cautious as the syrup will be extremely hot. You can use a spoon to help coat the fruit evenly if needed. As you coat the fruit, the syrup will quickly harden to form a glossy shell around each piece.
- Set to Harden: After coating the fruit, place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a silicone mat to allow the sugar shell to harden completely. This should only take a few minutes, and once hardened, your tanghulu is ready to be enjoyed!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 10 or more
- Calories: 171 kcal per serving (Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the type and quantity of fruit used.)
Conclusion: In just a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary fruit into an extraordinary dessert with tanghulu. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these delightful fruit skewers are sure to impress. Experiment with different fruit combinations and get creative with your coatings to customize your tanghulu experience. So why not elevate your snacking game and indulge in the irresistible crunch of tanghulu today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Tanghulu
Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 cup water
1 lb strawberries AND/OR blueberries, grapes, or other fruit of choice
Directions:
Prep the fruit: Wash and pat dry. Remove stems if desired. Arrange on skewers.
Make the tanghulu sugar: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil until the mixture reaches 300ºF/150ºC.
Coat the fruit: Dip the fruit skewers in the sugar syrup, ensuring they are fully coated.
Set to harden: Place the coated skewers on parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet to harden.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10 or more
Kcal: 171 kcal per serving