Caycay facts for kids
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Caycay
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| Alternative names | Cay-cay |
|---|---|
| Type | Cookie |
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Region or state | Bohol, Cebu |
Caycay (pronounced kai-kai) is a yummy, crunchy cookie from the Philippines. It's made of layers and is often covered in a sweet syrup called latik (which is a kind of coconut caramel) or honey. After being coated, it's rolled in crushed, toasted peanuts. Sometimes, instead of peanuts, people use sesame seeds for a different flavor.
Caycay is a special treat that comes from the islands of Bohol and Cebu. You can find it as a popular snack in the southern Visayas islands and in Mindanao. The name "Caycay" actually comes from the word kaykay in the Cebuano language. This word means "to dig up," and it refers to the way the cookies are "dug up" or rolled around in the ground peanuts to get their coating.
What is Caycay?
Caycay is a unique Filipino cookie known for its crispy layers. Imagine a cookie that's not just flat, but has many thin sheets pressed together, giving it a delightful crunch. This texture makes it different from many other cookies you might know.
The Sweet Coating
One of the most important parts of Caycay is its sweet coating.
- Latik: This is a traditional Filipino syrup made from coconut milk. When coconut milk is cooked for a long time, it separates into oil and solids. The solids turn into delicious, golden-brown bits or a thick, sweet syrup called latik. It gives Caycay a rich, coconut-caramel flavor.
- Honey: Sometimes, honey is used instead of latik. Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slightly different taste to the cookie.
The Crunchy Topping
After the cookie is coated in syrup, it gets its final touch: a roll in crushed nuts or seeds.
- Peanuts: Most often, Caycay is covered in coarsely ground (meaning not too fine, so you can still feel the pieces) toasted peanuts. These peanuts add a nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Some versions of Caycay use toasted sesame seeds instead of peanuts. Sesame seeds give the cookie a slightly different, earthy taste and a tiny bit of crunch.
Where Does Caycay Come From?
Caycay is a proud specialty of the Philippines. It's especially famous in two specific islands:
- Bohol: This island is known for its beautiful Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers, but it's also a home to Caycay.
- Cebu: A larger island and a major city, Cebu is another place where Caycay is a popular local treat.
From these islands, Caycay has become a common and loved snack across the southern parts of the Philippines, including the Visayas region and the large island of Mindanao. When you visit these areas, you'll often find Caycay sold in local markets and shops, ready for you to try!
