Indulge in a taste of Georgian tradition with our exquisite Churchkhela - a delicacy that marries the rich flavors of nuts with a sweet, chewy exterior. Known as the Georgian "snickers," this iconic treat is meticulously crafted by stringing whole nuts, typically walnuts or hazelnuts, onto a thread and dipping them into a luscious mixture of grape must and flour. The result is a delectable confection that strikes the perfect balance between nutty goodness and natural sweetness. Whether enjoyed as a wholesome snack or a delightful dessert, our Georgia Churchkhela promises a culinary journey to the heart of Caucasus hospitality.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of walnuts or hazelnuts
• 1 cup of grape juice or grape must (or a mixture of grape juice and pomegranate juice)
• 1 cup of flour (wheat flour or corn flour)
• 1 cup of sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• Cotton thread or twine

Instructions:

1- Prepare the nuts: If you're using walnuts, you can keep them whole. If using hazelnuts, it's best to roast them lightly and remove the skins. Thread the nuts onto the cotton thread, leaving a bit of space between each nut, and tie a knot at the end to secure them in place. You can make multiple strings of nuts depending on how many Churchkhela you want to make.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the grape juice (or grape must) with the flour. Stir well until you get a smooth, thick paste. If desired, you can add sugar to sweeten the mixture.

3- In a saucepan, heat the grape juice-flour mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency, similar to pancake batter. This can take around 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4- Dip the threaded nuts into the cooled grape juice-flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can use a spoon to help coat the nuts if needed. Let any excess mixture drip off.

5- Hang the coated nuts in a cool, dry place to dry. This can take several hours to overnight, depending on the humidity in your environment. Make sure there's enough space between each Churchkhela to prevent them from sticking together.

6- Once the Churchkhela are completely dry and firm to the touch, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can cut them into smaller pieces if desired before serving.

Store any leftover Churchkhela in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy this delightful Georgian treat as a snack or dessert, and savor the unique combination of crunchy nuts and sweet, chewy coating!

Nutritional Values :

Walnuts (1 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 785 kcal
• Protein: 18.5 g
• Fat: 78.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16.5 g
• Fiber: 7.8 g
• Sugars: 3.9 g

benefits

• Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
• High in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and copper, which support overall health and immunity.

Grape Juice (1 cup):

• Calories: 152 kcal
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Fat: 0.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 36.7 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Sugars: 36.7 g

benefits

• Contains antioxidants, such as resveratrol, which have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties.
• Provides vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and iron, which support immune function and promote overall health.
• Natural sugars in grape juice provide a quick source of energy.

Flour (1 cup, all-purpose):

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Protein: 12.9 g
• Fat: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 95.4 g
• Fiber: 3.4 g
• Sugars: 0.6 g

benefits

• Good source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.
• Contains some protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Provides fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity.

Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 200 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 200 g

benefits

• Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Adds sweetness and enhances flavor in recipes.
• Should be consumed in moderation as excessive sugar intake can lead to health issues such as weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, variety, and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values of Georgia Churchkhela will depend on the specific proportions used in the recipe and any variations made, such as the addition of sugar.