Candied Hawthorn on a Stick: Sweet Memories of the North

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  In a winter park, a vendor pushes a bicycle loaded with candied hawthorns, the sugar coating glistening through the sunlight filtering through the tree branches.
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  At a temple fair in Beijing, an old artist holds strings of bright red candied hawthorns while children excitedly gather around.
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  A family enjoys a picnic outdoors, with one member holding a string of candied hawthorns that look particularly enticing in the sunlight.
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  On a bustling snack street, a young woman carefully bites into a candied hawthorn, fearing that the sugar coating might fall off.
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  During the Chinese New Year celebrations, a father buys a string of candied hawthorns for his daughter as a New Year's gift.
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  At a winter ski resort, a skier sits in the cable car holding a string of candied hawthorns, enjoying the sweetness of winter.
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  At the school gate, a vendor's candied hawthorn stall attracts children after school, who are eager to buy them.
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  In the cozy living room at home, a grandparent and grandchild share a string of candied hawthorns, their faces filled with happy smiles.

A: The Culture and Charm of Candied Hawthorn on a Stick

Candied Hawthorn on a Stick, a popular dessert snack in Northern China, has become a symbol of warmth on the winter streets with its unique appearance and sweet taste. It is not just a food but a part of the culture of winter in the north.

Cultural Background:

Candied Hawthorn on a Stick originated in the Song Dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years. In Northern China, especially in Beijing, it is a traditional winter snack often found at temple fairs, holiday markets, and street corners. A string of bright red hawthorns not only warms the cold of winter but also strings together the childhood memories of generations.

Features:

The feature of Candied Hawthorn on a Stick lies in its unique production process and rich taste. Usually, hawthorn is the main ingredient, strung on a bamboo skewer, coated with boiled sugar syrup, and a layer of crystal-clear sugar shell is formed after cooling. The first bite is the sweet and crispy sugar coat, followed by the tangy hawthorn, a perfect combination of sweet and sour that is infinitely memorable.

Taste and Texture:

The taste of Candied Hawthorn on a Stick is primarily sweet, but the sourness of the hawthorn perfectly neutralizes the sweetness, making the overall taste sweet but not greasy. The contrast between the crisp sugar coat and the soft hawthorn adds an interesting dimension to the eating experience.

Appearance:

The appearance of Candied Hawthorn on a Stick is very appealing, with a string of bright red fruits coated in a glittering sugar shell, resembling an exquisite piece of art. Against the backdrop of winter snow, it appears even more vibrant.

Nutritional Value:

Hawthorn itself is rich in vitamin C and various organic acids, which promote digestion and appetite. While the sugar coat is high in sugar, moderate consumption also has the effect of replenishing energy.

B: The Making Process of Candied Hawthorn on a Stick

Introduction to Ingredients:

• Hawthorn: Fresh hawthorn fruits.

• White sugar: For making the sugar coat.

Cooking Tools:

• Bamboo skewers: For stringing hawthorn.

• Pot: For boiling sugar.

• Stone or marble slab: For cooling and setting the candied hawthorn.

Preparation of Ingredients:

• Clean the hawthorn and remove the core, then skewer them.

Cooking Steps:

1. Place white sugar and an appropriate amount of water in a pot, and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved to form a syrup.

2. Dip the skewered hawthorn in the syrup, rotating it to coat it evenly with the syrup.

3. Place the sugar-coated hawthorn on a stone or marble slab to cool and set.

4. Once the syrup has cooled completely, the candied hawthorn is ready to eat.

Seasoning Tips:

• When boiling sugar, the heat should not be too high to prevent the sugar from darkening, affecting the taste and appearance.

• You can add other ingredients such as sesame seeds, walnut pieces, etc., according to personal taste.

Serving Suggestions:

• It is best to eat candied hawthorn at room temperature to ensure the crispiness of the sugar coat and the freshness of the hawthorn.

• Due to its high sugar content, it is recommended to consume in moderation.