Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack that's both delightful and surprisingly simple to make. Traditionally, this treat is made by coating fruit in a hard candy shell, and it's typically served on a stick, making it fun and easy to eat. While it usually calls for a bunch of cooking over the stove, I’ve tweaked it a bit to make a microwave version so you can whip up this fun dessert in just a few minutes. It's a fantastic way to delight your kids with something sweet and slightly exotic on movie night or as a special treat after dinner.

Microwave Tanghulu is best enjoyed freshly made and still warm. It's a stand-alone treat, but if you want to turn it into a more elaborate dessert, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a festive touch during gatherings, you could also serve it with various fruit dips or chopped nuts to sprinkle.

Servings: 4

8-10 strawberries or any firm fruit like blueberries, grapes, or kiwi slices
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons corn syrup

1. Start by washing your chosen fruit and patting it dry. Thread the fruits onto skewers and set aside.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup.

3. Microwave the sugar mixture for 6-8 minutes on high, or until the mixture is bubbling and turns slightly amber. Keep a close eye on it to avoid boiling over or burning.

4. Carefully remove the hot syrup from the microwave using oven mitts as it will be very hot.

5. Quickly dip the fruit skewers into the hot syrup, coating them evenly. Turn the skewers to ensure all sides are covered.

6. Place the coated skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and harden. You can also use an ice bath. Serve once the candy shell has hardened.

Feel free to experiment with the type of fruit you use. Apples and pears also work wonderfully if sliced thinly. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the sugar mixture before microwaving. If you're looking out for healthier options, you can reduce the sugar by half and substitute with honey, though keep in mind this will slightly alter the texture.

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