Tang Hulu Recipes: A Sweet and Sticky Guide to Making This Popular Chinese Snack
Tang Hulu, also known as sugar-coated haws, is a beloved traditional Chinese snack. These colorful, sweet treats consist of candied fruits, typically hawthorns, strung together on a stick. This guide provides several Tang Hulu recipes, catering to different tastes and skill levels. Let's dive into the delicious world of Tang Hulu!
The Classic Tang Hulu Recipe
This recipe focuses on the traditional method, using hawthorn berries. It’s a great starting point for beginners.
Ingredients:
- Hawthorn berries: Approximately 25-30 fresh or frozen hawthorns, cleaned and dried. (Frozen ones need to be fully thawed and patted dry.)
- Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar
- Water: ¼ cup water
- Wooden skewers or sticks: Enough for the number of Tang Hulu you want to make.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Hawthorns: Clean and dry the hawthorns thoroughly. Remove any stems or blemishes.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cook the Syrup: Continue to cook the syrup, without stirring, until it reaches the hard-crack stage (approximately 300°F/150°C on a candy thermometer). This stage is crucial for a good, hard candy coating. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
- Thread the Hawthorns: Carefully thread the hawthorns onto the wooden skewers.
- Coat the Hawthorns: Quickly dip the skewered hawthorns into the hot sugar syrup, ensuring each berry is fully coated. Work quickly to prevent the syrup from cooling.
- Cool and Set: Place the coated hawthorns on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set completely. This takes about 30 minutes.
Tips for Success:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is essential for achieving the correct sugar consistency.
- Work quickly: The sugar syrup cools down quickly, so speed is key.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the hawthorns enough space to be fully coated.
Tang Hulu Variations: Beyond Hawthorn
While hawthorns are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits!
Strawberry Tang Hulu:
Simply substitute fresh, cleaned strawberries for the hawthorns in the classic recipe. Their juicy sweetness complements the candy coating beautifully.
Grape Tang Hulu:
Seedless grapes work well too! Choose firm, ripe grapes for the best results. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size and type of grape.
Tips for a Perfect Candy Coating
- Cleanliness is key: Ensure your utensils and work surface are clean to prevent crystallization.
- Proper temperature: Achieving the hard-crack stage is crucial for a crisp, shiny coating.
- Don’t overcook: Burning the sugar will result in a bitter taste.
Storing Your Tang Hulu
Store your Tang Hulu in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for several days.
Making Tang Hulu is a rewarding experience. Experiment with different fruits and enjoy the sweet results of your homemade candy! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy candy-making!
