Georgian Churchkhela (Grape and walnut candy)

Step 1

Shell the walnuts.

Step 2

Add to a hot pan and heat on a low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Be careful not to burn them.

Step 4

Thread a needle with a 30-inch length of strong thread. With the flat side of the nuts facing up, thread 25 walnut halves onto the thread. Cut the thread from the needle and knot the ends.

Step 5

Add the flour and sugar to a bowl.

Step 6

Gradually add up to 500 ml of the fruit juice and mix with a wooden spoon.

Step 7

Once the flour, sugar and juice have been mixed with a spoon, use an electric blender to ensure that the mixture is absolutely smooth.

Step 8

Add the rest of the juice to a deep cast iron pot and gradually add the flour/sugar/juice mixture.

Step 9

Stir thoroughly

Step 10

Heat on a high temperature, vigorously stirring all of the time. Bring to the boil. Turn the heat down to a low temperature and continue to stir for 8-10 minutes. During that time it will thicken and you should test it to make sure that it does not taste of flour.

Step 11

The thickened mixture is called tatara

Step 12

Keeping hold of one end of the thread, carefully place a strand of threaded nuts into the tatara.

Step 13

Use a wooden spoon to cover the threaded nuts.

Step 14

Make sure all the nuts are completely covered

Step 15

Remove the churchkhela from the tatara.

Step 16

If the tatara has been made correctly the churchkhela should not drip.

Step 17

Hang the churchkhela. A pole placed between two chairs is ideal.

Step 18

Repeat the coating process with each strand of threaded nuts.

Step 19

Put the remaining tartara in the refrigerator and heat up before using for the second coating.

Step 20

Leave the churchkhela to dry for 3 to 4 days, until the strands are no longer sticky to the touch. After 3 to 4 days repeat the dipping process. Leave the churchkhela to dry for 3 to 4 days.

Step 21

Enjoy!