Kashata

Description
Something between candy and cookie, Eastern Africa's Kashata are a popular snack of Swahili origin. Kashata are usually made with peanuts or grated coconut, or both. Kashata are made on the stove or over a fire, not in an oven like European biscuits or American cookies.

Ingredients

 * two cups sugar
 * two cups fresh or moist grated coconut (or two cups of dried grated coconut moistened with a few tablespoons of milk or water) -- or -- two cups of roasted peanuts, shells and skins removed, briefly heated in a lightly oiled skillet -- or -- a mixture of both coconut and peanuts
 * one-half teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom
 * a pinch of salt
 * one-half cup wheat flour (optional)

Directions

 * 1) In a hot skillet, heat the sugar until it melts and just begins to brown.
 * 2) Reduce heat and quickly add all other ingredients, stirring well as each ingredient is added. When all ingredients have been added to the mixture, continue stirring for about a minute, making sure everything is well mixed.