How to Make Traditional Honey Kozinaki (Nut Brittle)

Simple Summary

Kozinaki is a delightful Eastern European nut brittle made with honey, offering a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors in a crunchy, golden treat.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (including cooling time)
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups (300g) mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts)
• 1 cup (340g) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter. Set aside.

2. Roughly chop the mixed nuts into smaller pieces, but not too fine. You want some texture in your kozinaki.

3. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine honey, sugar, butter, salt, and water. Stir to combine.

4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.

5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).

6. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly coated.

7. Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.

8. Allow the kozinaki to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until completely hardened.

9. Once cooled, break the kozinaki into pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.

Chef's Notes

• Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
• For a variation, try using a single type of nut like walnuts or almonds.
• Store kozinaki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• If the mixture becomes too hard to spread, briefly return it to low heat to soften.
• For a festive touch, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the honey mixture.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate): Calories: 350 Protein: 6g Healthy Fats: 22g Carbohydrates: 35g Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from nuts.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve kozinaki as a dessert alongside strong black tea or coffee.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a delightful textural contrast.
• Package in decorative bags or boxes for homemade holiday gifts.
• Pair with a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes or Tokaji for a luxurious after-dinner treat.
• Arrange on a platter with fresh fruits and cheese for an elegant dessert board.