Cookbook Tanghulu

Cookbook Tanghulu is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $1.10 total, $0.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar (approximately 400 g; use standard white granulated sugar)
  • 1 cup Water (room temperature; for dissolving sugar)
  • 2 cups Ice Water (prepared in a large bowl for shocking the candy)
  • 1 sheet Parchment Paper (cut to fit baking sheet; prevents sticking)

Instructions

  1. Measure Ingredients

    Measure 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water into a medium‑sized saucepan.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Combine and Dissolve

    Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is clear. Do not stir once it starts boiling.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Heat to Hard‑Crack Stage

    Increase heat to medium‑high and attach the candy thermometer. Allow the syrup to boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard‑crack stage).

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 300°F

  4. Prepare Ice Water Shock

    While the syrup is heating, fill a large mixing bowl with 2 cups of ice water and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Shock the Candy

    When the syrup hits 300°F, carefully pour the entire hot mixture onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet, then immediately drizzle the ice water over it to create a rapid temperature drop.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Cool and Break

    Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature (about 5 minutes), then break into irregular pieces using a kitchen mallet or the back of a spoon.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Cookbook Tanghulu

Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni

A simple, crunchy hard candy made by cooking sugar and water to the hard‑crack stage (300°F) and shocking it with ice water for a glossy, snap‑ready treat. Inspired by Nick DiGiovanni’s playful experiment, this recipe turns basic pantry ingredients into a fun, sweet snack.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.10
Total cost
$0.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heating the sugar syrup to exactly 300°F (hard‑crack stage).
  • Shocking the hot syrup with ice water to stop cooking and create a glossy finish.

Safety Warnings

  • The sugar syrup reaches >300°F and can cause severe burns; handle with heat‑resistant gloves.
  • Never leave the hot syrup unattended; it can scorch quickly.
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of hard sugar candy in American cuisine?

A

Hard sugar candy has been a staple of American confectionery since the 19th century, originally sold at fairs and candy stores as simple sweet treats. Its popularity grew with the advent of reliable candy thermometers, allowing home cooks to replicate store‑bought brittles.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of hard candy exist within the United States?

A

Different regions favor distinct flavors: the South enjoys pecan pralines and caramel‑topped brittles, the Midwest is known for peppermint bark, and the Pacific Northwest often incorporates sea salt or coffee flavors into hard candy.

cultural
Q

How is hard sugar candy traditionally served at celebrations in American culture?

A

Hard candy is commonly presented in decorative jars at holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Fourth of July gatherings, and it is also a nostalgic treat at birthday parties and school fundraisers.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is hard sugar candy traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Hard candy is traditionally associated with Halloween trick‑or‑treating, Christmas stocking stuffers, and summer fairs where vendors sell colorful lollipops and brittle.

cultural
Q

What makes this hard sugar candy recipe special compared to other candy recipes in American cuisine?

A

Nick DiGiovanni’s version emphasizes the dramatic shock with ice water, which instantly stops cooking and creates a glossy, crackly texture that many home cooks miss when simply letting the candy cool on its own.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hard sugar candy?

A

Common mistakes include not reaching the hard‑crack temperature, stirring after the syrup starts boiling (which causes crystallization), and handling the candy before it fully cools, leading to uneven breaks.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a candy thermometer instead of estimating by color?

A

The candy thermometer provides precise temperature control; color can be misleading due to pan material or lighting, and missing the 300°F target results in soft or grainy candy.

technical
Q

Can I make this hard sugar candy ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can make it ahead. Once completely cooled, store the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature; avoid refrigeration to prevent moisture absorption.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the candy is done?

A

When the syrup reaches 300°F and is shocked with ice water, the candy should be clear, glossy, and snap cleanly when broken, with no cloudiness or stickiness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specializes in creative, science‑based cooking tutorials, often featuring experimental twists on classic recipes and detailed explanations of culinary techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Nick DiGiovanni blends culinary science with entertaining storytelling, frequently using high‑energy editing and unexpected ingredient pairings, which sets his approach apart from more traditional, step‑by‑step cooking channels.

channel

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