1Dry the grapes, strawberries, and mandarin oranges thoroughly.
2In a large pan, combine one cup of sugar and a half cup of water. Swirl it around gently, but do not stir.
3Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat and leave it alone until it boils.
4While the sugar mixture is cooking, fill a big vessel with very cold water and set it aside. This will be used to dip the completed Tanghulu.
5Skewer the fruit, trying not to move them back and forth too much to prevent them from sliding.
6Once the sugar is boiling, it should reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a candy thermometer, use it (insert before heating).
7To test if the sugar is ready without a thermometer, dip a skewer into the sugar, swirl it, and then dip it into the ice water. If it is still gummy, it's not ready.
8Carefully dip and twirl the skewered fruit in the hot sugar.
9Immediately after dipping, place the sugar-coated fruit into the ice water for a couple of seconds.
10Enjoy your homemade Tanghulu.
Ingredients
grapes
strawberries
mandarin oranges
1 cup sugar
0.5 cup water
cold water
Equipment
large panbig vesselskewerscandy thermometer (optional)
Tips
Dry all fruit thoroughly for a better coating.
When making the sugar syrup, swirl but do not stir.
If using a candy thermometer, insert it before turning on the heat.
To clean the pan, fill it with water and turn the stove back on to melt the sugar.