Churchkhela, often playfully nicknamed "Georgian Snickers," is a traditional candy-like treat that perfectly embodies Georgia's love for both grapes and nuts. This unique delicacy consists of a string of nuts (typically walnuts or hazelnuts) that have been repeatedly dipped in thickened grape juice and dried, resulting in a distinctive candle-like shape with a chewy, satisfying texture.

The origins of Churchkhela date back centuries, when it served as a high-energy food source for Georgian warriors. Its long shelf life, high caloric content, and natural preservation methods made it an ideal provision for long military campaigns. Today, it remains a beloved traditional sweet, particularly popular during festive occasions and as a souvenir for visitors to Georgia.

The making of Churchkhela is a time-honored process that requires patience and skill. It begins with preparing tatara, a thick mixture made by slowly cooking grape juice (typically from white or red Saperavi grapes) with flour. Nuts are threaded onto strings, then dipped repeatedly in the tatara mixture, with each layer allowed to dry before the next application. The drying process can take several days, depending on the weather conditions, and results in a naturally preserved treat that can last for months.

While the traditional recipe uses walnuts or hazelnuts, modern variations might include almonds, pecans, or even dried fruit. Some artisans experiment with different grape varieties or add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the grape juice mixture. In some regions, you might find Churchkhela made with fruit juices other than grape, though purists maintain that true Churchkhela must use traditional grape juice.

In Georgia, Churchkhela is commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert, often served alongside coffee or tea. During the autumn grape harvest season, many families engage in the traditional practice of making Churchkhela at home, filling their houses with strings of drying candies. It's also a popular street food, with vendors displaying impressive arrays of colorful Churchkhela in markets and tourist areas.

From a nutritional standpoint, Churchkhela is a powerhouse of energy and nutrients. A single piece contains approximately 400-500 calories and is rich in healthy fats, proteins, and natural sugars. The nuts provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, while the grape juice offers antioxidants and natural fruit sugars. While it's a relatively healthy sweet treat, being naturally preserved and free from artificial additives, its high caloric content means it should be enjoyed in moderation. The treat is gluten-free when made traditionally with corn flour, though some modern versions might use wheat flour, so those with celiac disease should verify the ingredients.