Debunking Dangerous Tik Tok recipe & BPA! How To Cook That Ann Reardon

Debunking Dangerous Tik Tok recipe & BPA! How To Cook That Ann Reardon is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by How To Cook That on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $11.39 total, $2.85 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Grapes (seedless, washed and dried thoroughly)
  • 8 pieces Wooden Skewers (12‑inch bamboo or birch skewers)
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar (fine white sugar)
  • 1/2 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Corn Syrup (light corn syrup; helps prevent crystallization)
  • 1 tablespoon Food‑Grade Glucose (optional) (alternative to corn syrup; optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Fruit

    Wash the grapes (or chosen fruit) under cold running water, pat dry with a clean towel, and ensure they are completely moisture‑free.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Thread Fruit onto Skewers

    Insert each grape onto a wooden skewer, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow the syrup to flow around them.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make the Sugar Syrup

    Combine the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup (or glucose) in the saucepan. Stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Heat to Hard‑Crack Stage

    Bring the syrup to a rolling boil and stop stirring. Allow it to boil until the temperature reaches 149 °C (300 °F) – the hard‑crack stage. This usually takes 5‑7 minutes after the first boil.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 149°C

  5. Dip Fruit Skewers

    Using tongs or heat‑resistant gloves, quickly dip each fruit‑skewered piece into the hot syrup, allowing excess to drip back into the pan. Place the coated fruit onto a prepared baking sheet.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Cool and Serve

    Let the coated fruit sit at room temperature on the baking sheet (or cooling rack) until the sugar shell fully hardens – about 2‑3 minutes. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Clean Up

    Allow the saucepan to cool completely before discarding the hardened sugar. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water to loosen residue, then wash as usual.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Debunking Dangerous Tik Tok recipe & BPA! How To Cook That Ann Reardon

Recipe by How To Cook That

Tanghulu is a classic Chinese street‑food treat where fresh fruit is skewered and coated in a glossy, crack‑hard sugar shell. This recipe follows the safe stovetop method demonstrated by Ann Reardon on the How To Cook That channel, avoiding the dangerous microwave shortcuts that have caused burns. The result is a shiny, crunchy candy coating that snaps on bite and showcases the natural sweetness of the fruit.

MediumChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
33m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.39
Total cost
$2.85
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Reaching the hard‑crack stage (149 °C / 300 °F) without stirring.
  • Ensuring fruit is completely dry before dipping.
  • Handling the hot syrup with gloves or tongs to avoid burns.

Safety Warnings

  • The sugar syrup reaches >150 °C and can cause severe burns – always wear heat‑resistant gloves.
  • Do not use plastic containers or microwave for this recipe; they melt and release toxic fumes.
  • Keep children away from the hot syrup and the cooling fruit until fully set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tanghulu in Chinese street food culture?

A

Tanghulu originated in northern China during the Qing dynasty as a winter street snack. Vendors would thread candied hawthorn berries onto sticks, and the bright, glossy sugar coating became a visual hallmark of festive markets and fairs.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tanghulu across China?

A

While the classic version uses hawthorn berries, many regions substitute strawberries, grapes, or even small apples. In some northern towns, a thin layer of sesame seeds is rolled over the hardened sugar for extra texture.

cultural
Q

How is Tanghulu traditionally served in Chinese festivals?

A

Tanghulu is typically displayed on bamboo skewers in rows on a tray, allowing customers to pick them up by the stick. They are eaten as a sweet treat during Lunar New Year, winter markets, and temple fairs.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Tanghulu associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Tanghulu is especially popular during the winter months, Lunar New Year, and local temple festivals where street vendors set up stalls. Its bright red sugar coating symbolizes good luck and warmth.

cultural
Q

What makes Tanghulu special or unique in Chinese snack cuisine?

A

The contrast between the crisp, glass‑like sugar shell and the juicy, fresh fruit inside creates a unique texture that is both crunchy and refreshing—something rarely found in other Chinese street foods.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tanghulu at home?

A

Common errors include stirring the syrup after it starts boiling (causing crystallization), using plastic containers that melt in the microwave, and dipping fruit that isn’t completely dry, which leads to a soggy coating.

technical
Q

Why does this Tanghulu recipe use a stovetop pan instead of a microwave as shown in some TikTok videos?

A

The stovetop method allows precise temperature control to reach the hard‑crack stage safely. Microwaves heat unevenly and can cause plastic containers to melt, creating dangerous burns and chemical exposure.

technical
Q

Can I make Tanghulu ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Tanghulu is best served fresh. If you must make it ahead, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one hour; avoid refrigeration as humidity will make the sugar shell sticky.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Tanghulu syrup is ready?

A

The syrup should be a clear, amber liquid that, when a drop is placed in cold water, forms a hard, glass‑like thread that snaps cleanly. The surface should be glossy, not grainy.

technical
Q

How do I know when Tanghulu is done cooking?

A

When the candy thermometer reads 149 °C (300 °F) and the syrup has a deep amber color, it has reached the hard‑crack stage. A test drop in cold water that hardens instantly confirms readiness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel How To Cook That specialize in?

A

How To Cook That, hosted by Ann Reardon, specializes in food science, debunking viral food trends, and teaching safe, evidence‑based cooking techniques for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel How To Cook That's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

How To Cook That focuses on the scientific reasons behind each step, emphasizing safety and accuracy, whereas many other channels may prioritize speed or visual appeal without explaining the underlying chemistry.

channel

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