Culinary Collection

When I first stumbled into the art of preserving fruit in sugar, I never imagined it would turn into one of my favorite kitchen obsessions. That first candied fruit hack—a trial with leftover orange peels on a rainy Sunday—was the sweet accident that started it all. I had no plan, just curiosity and a whole lot of sugar. What followed was years of testing, tasting, and (yes) cleaning up sticky messes. This guide is a collection of my best lessons, from beginner mistakes to little tricks that changed everything. Whether you’re prepping a festive fruitcake, upgrading your dessert game, or … View Full Recipe

If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably stumbled across the Tanghulu Challenge. That glossy, crackly fruit on a stick, making that oh-so-satisfying crunch when bitten into—it’s taken the internet by storm. But where did it come from, why is it so popular, and what’s the best way to make it at home? Hi, I’m Sifaw. I’m not a professional chef, just someone who’s deeply passionate about exploring food and its stories from around the world. I first encountered tanghulu during a cold street market stroll in Beijing years ago. Back then, I didn’t know it would … View Full Recipe

There’s something wildly irresistible about Skittles Grapes—these colorful, candy-coated bites are taking over kitchen counters, TikTok feeds, and kids’ lunchboxes everywhere. And honestly? I totally get the hype. The first time I stumbled on this juicy, tangy-sweet creation was during a food festival in Austin, where a vendor handed me a cup of rainbow-colored grapes that looked suspiciously like candy. One bite and I was hooked. In this article, I’m going to walk you through everything I’ve learned (and experimented with!) since discovering these little flavor bombs. From how to make Skittles Grapes at home, to healthier alternatives like gumdrop … View Full Recipe

Tanghulu (candied fruit skewers) first caught my eye during a chilly walk through a Beijing market years ago. A line of vibrant red hawthorns glistened like glass in the winter light, skewered like little jewels and crunching delightfully between each bite. I didn’t know it then, but I’d stumbled onto a centuries-old tradition—and the beginning of a delicious obsession with Tanghulu (candied fruit skewers). In this article, I’m going to take you through the colorful, crispy world of Tanghulu (candied fruit skewers). We’ll uncover where this beloved Chinese treat comes from, what makes it so different from regular candied fruit, … View Full Recipe

Mango Tanghulu has quickly become one of my favorite sweet treats, blending tropical fruitiness with an irresistible sugary crunch. If you’ve ever wandered through bustling Asian street markets or scrolled through food reels online, you’ve probably seen glossy skewered fruits crackling under a hard candy shell—that’s tanghulu. And when you swap in ripe, juicy mango? Magic happens. Hi, I’m Sifaw. I’m not a chef by trade, just a curious home cook who’s been lucky enough to taste and test recipes from around the world. My first encounter with this candied fruit snack happened on a misty morning in Taipei, and … View Full Recipe