Did you know that ‘Nut-cakes’ are not really cakes?

In Jamaica, they are known as peanut drops, in Grenada groundnut sugar cake and in the European countries and America they are called peanut brittle, nut cookies or nougat and in India peanut ‘chikki’. But those of us here in Guyana, or those who grew up in Guyana know these sweet, crunchy peanut snacks as ‘nut-cake’, ‘nutting’ or the Guyana peanut bar. Many kids enjoy these snacks during the breaks or on their way home from school, and adults too, relive their childhood days through this sugary crunchy squares of peanuts.

About Nut-Cake

Nut-cake is a sweet snack made with lightly roasted peanuts and sugar. They are usually cut into small squares and has a larger nut to sugar ratio. It is unlike the peanut brittle which is broken into pieces and has more sugar than nuts.  Peanut bars or nut-cake is enjoyed all over the world, going by different names and varied preparation methods. However, the end result is always the same – a sweet, crunchy snack ready to be devoured by anyone especially with a sweet tooth.

Interesting Tips

• Peanut brittle is said to be the first candy ever created.

Making Nut-cake or ‘Nuttin’

A nut-cake bar – Photo by Sarika Prasad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
  1/4 cup water
• Optional: 1/2 cup corn syrup or honey

Method:

1. Mix sugar, salt, water and corn syrup to a pan over medium heat, until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the peanuts and stir.
3. When mixed thoroughly, add butter and baking soda.
4.  After stirring, immediately remove from heat and spread evenly onto a baking sheet.
5. Cut into squares and leave to cool.

Nutritional Facts of Nut-cake or Peanut Brittle

(Servings Per Recipe: 16 – Serving Size: 1 serving)

Amount per serving

• Calories: 91.9
• Total Fat: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 3.9 mg
• Sodium: 1,875.8 mg
• Total Carbs: 20.8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.0 g
• Protein: 0.0 g

Watch This: Perfect Peanut Brittle – How to | Everyday Food

Nut-cake in Guyana

When you bite into a nut-cake, ‘nuttin’ or peanut bar you will be greeted with a burst of sweetness from the local brown sugar used to make it and a crunch from the roasted peanuts. This snack can be found all over the country in your local shops and supermarkets. This is one of the fastest-selling items on the cashier’s counters. So if you are unable to find any, don’t be too surprised. Instead, you can just follow the recipe above to make your own delicious Guyanese ‘nuttin’.

Article References

• http://guyanesepride.com/recipe-details.php?id=91
• https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1911321
• https://southfloridareporter.com/the-origins-of-peanut-brittle-are-as-varied-as-its-pieces/