Gozinaki ( gozinaq’i, ) is a traditional Georgian confection made of caramelized nuts, usually walnuts, and fried in honey. In the western Georgian provinces of Imereti and Racha, it was sometimes called "churchkhela", a name more commonly applied to walnuts sewn onto a string, dipped in thickened white grape juice and dried. In several of Georgia's rural areas, both walnuts and honey used to have sacral associations. According to a long-established tradition, Gozinaki is served at special occasions, and is a mandatory component of New Year's Eve/Christmas celebrations.
Industrial-grade "kozinak"
Various condiments made with caramel-like products and seeds or nuts, covered with salt or sugarcoat, would be "kozinak" as well, according to the Russian definition. The most common "kozinak" in Russia is made with peeled sunflower seeds and molasses. Sometimes, a sesame seed candy, similar to gozinak in consistency, would be a "kozinak" as well ("kozinak s kunzhutom")
In Russian language, the "kozinak" spelling is preferred to the "gozinak(i)" ones. The latter, for instance, is similar to "Goznak", the currency printer, by spelling.
See also
Churchkhela: an array of dishes similar to Gozinaki
Brittle (food) Sesame seed candy Yeot-gangjeong
References
Further reading
Ani Dekanosidze (December 14, 2007) Gozinaki: Boil Up the Honey for a New Year’s Treat. Georgia Today.