Can you imagine a delicious, tender sweet that's actually good for you? How about a bar snack made from carrots, coconut and hazelnuts?
I'm not talking about the latest health food invention. I'm referring to "cezerye" (jez-EYR-yeah), or carrot and coconut bars, an ancient sweet from the southeast of Turkey.
The best "cezerye" comes from the areas around the city of Mersin, but you can buy it nearly everywhere. It's even sold in supermarkets as individually wrapped bars to rival nutritional bars and other ready, on-the-go snacks.
"Cezerye" is naturally packed with nutrients and energy. What's more, it's a snack you can serve to the whole family. Children love it's sweetness and tender texture and adults love the fact that they're getting lots of good things while they satisfy their sweet tooth.
You can buy "cezerye" nearly everywhere in Turkey where sweets, nuts and natural snacks are sold. If you don't plan to travel to Turkey anytime soon, then try my recipe for homemade carrot and coconut squares.
You'll never want to buy ready nutritional bars snacks again.
Regional Variations in Turkish Cuisine
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