Chuchkella - One strange Russian dessert

At the Georgian bakery on Devon (perhaps my favorite bread in town) they had Chuchkella this weekend. Its a thick, chewy grape mixture with a nut center. It looks a bit like a candle, because its made on a string, and a bit like a purple corn dog. It didn't do much for me taste wise, but for novelty it gets a 10.

Surely you refer to:

Argo, Inc.
Georgian Bakery
2812 W. Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) &64-6322

One of the best and most interesting bakeries in town. Their pelmyeni are also quite delicious.

Antonius

I surely am referring to Argo, which is a great bakery. Lately, in addition to my addiction to their bread, I've become particuarly fond of a triangular, sweet poppy seed item. I don't know the name. Thanks for posting the address.

Jonah

Hi,

I am quite familiar with this Georgian confection from my prior life. These are made in a process similar to making candles. The nuts are strung on string then dipped in a grape puree, dried, then dipped again until you have the desired thickness.

Last spring, I was in Alef at Routes 60 and 45 in Mundelein sells Chuchkella. I was with a friend who grew up in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) who knew nothing of this candy. I explained the process to her only to find the owner listening in and smiling. So I turned to him to double check if I was correct, "Indeed you are correct."

I am linking to a recipe for Chuchkella for your edification.

Cathy2 wrote:
I explained the process to her only to find the owner listening in and smiling. So I turned to him to double check if I was correct, "Indeed you are correct."

Was the owner Ed McMahon?