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Desserts

Gozinaki (Honey Walnut Brittle)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
10 minutes
Prep
12 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 300 g (1 cup) honey
  • 300 g (2.5 cups) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to help caramelization)

Method

  1. Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then set aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the honey (with sugar, if using) over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it darkens to a deep amber and becomes fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the toasted walnuts quickly and thoroughly until evenly coated.
  4. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray and spread out with a rolling pin to about 1cm thickness.
  5. While still warm, score into diamond or square shapes with a sharp knife.
  6. Let cool completely at room temperature until fully hardened, then break along the scored lines.

Introduction: Gozinaki is a crunchy honey-walnut brittle traditionally made for New Year and Christmas celebrations in Georgia, symbolizing a sweet and prosperous year ahead.

Cultural Background: Gozinaki is a crunchy honey-walnut brittle traditionally made for New Year and Christmas celebrations in Georgia, symbolizing a sweet and prosperous year ahead. The honey is caramelized until deep amber before the walnuts are stirred through and the mixture set into bars.

Tips: Watch the honey closely as it caramelizes — it can go from perfectly amber to burnt very quickly.

Variations: Some families add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few strands of saffron to the honey for extra warmth; hazelnuts are sometimes used in place of walnuts.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Reheating: Not applicable; served at room temperature.

Nutrition: Approx. 210 kcal, 3 g protein, 14 g fat, 20 g carbohydrate per 40g serving.

FAQs:

Q: Why is Gozinaki associated with New Year?

A: It is traditionally prepared for the Georgian New Year and Christmas table as a symbol of a sweet, abundant year to come.

Q: Can Gozinaki be made without added sugar?

A: Yes, honey alone can be caramelized, though the added sugar helps achieve a firmer, more brittle-like set.

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