Gozinaki (Georgian caramelized nuts)

Gozinaki with Walnuts

1. Roast the walnuts and break them into small pieces with a knife.
2. Pour the honey in a non-stick pan, put on low heat and bring to a boil.
3. When the honey begins to foam, remove from heat and let cool.
4. Put it back on the stove and repeat this procedure twice to allow the honey to thicken.
5. Add the icing sugar and stir until reaching boiling point again.
6. Pour the walnuts and mix well.
7. When the walnuts are starting to change color (about 3 minutes), remove from heat.

First Method

1. Immediately pour the mixture on a wet and oiled wooden board.
2. Spread evenly on the board with a wet hand or the back of an oiled metal spoon.
3. Level with an oiled roll pin.
4. Adjust the edges with your hands or with a knife to obtain a square or round of about ½ inch (1cm) thick.
5. Using a heated and oiled knife blade, cut equal triangular or diamond-shaped pieces.

Second Method

1. Immediately pour the mixture on a wet and oiled wooden board.
2. Form a cylinder of about 1½ inch (4cm) diameter.
3. Let cool for 10 minutes.
4. Using a heated and oiled knife blade, cut equal slices.

Gozinaki with Dried Fruits and Flax Seeds

1. Roast all the nuts and flax seeds separately and cut into small pieces with a knife.
2. Pour the honey in a non-stick pan, put on low heat and bring to boil.
3. When the honey begins to foam, remove from heat and let cool.
4. Put it back on the stove and repeat this procedure twice to allow the honey to thicken.
5. Add the icing sugar and stir until reaching boiling point again.
6. Pour the dried fruits and stir for 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
7. Immediately pour the mixture on a wet and oiled wooden board.
8. Spread evenly on the sheet with a wet hand or the back of an oiled metal spoon.
9. Level with an oiled roll pin.
10. Sprinkle flax seeds (or sesame seeds).
11. Adjust the edges with your hands or with a knife to obtain a square or round of about ½ inch thick.
12. Using a heated and oiled knife blade, cut equal rectangular-shaped pieces.