Chin-Chin is a common snack in West Africa that is provided during weddings, Christmas, New Year’s, and other events. It’s a crisp, mildly sweet pastry that can be baked or deep-fried.

_{Image Credit: Osarieme Eweka from Getty Images}

Ingredients

4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

½ cup (125g) unsalted butter (softened)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 large eggs (optional for a richer dough)

½ cup (125ml) whole milk (or water, as a substitute)

A pinch of salt

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: 

Put the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a big mixing basin. Stir thoroughly.

Add the Wet Ingredients: 

Using your fingers, knead the softened butter into the dry ingredients until it takes on the consistency of crumbles.
Whisk in the milk (or water) and vanilla essence if using eggs. Add the wet mixture to the flour a little at a time and knead until the dough is smooth and somewhat firm. Do not overwork the dough. 

Roll and Cut:

Separate the dough into pieces, then roll each out to a thickness of approximately ¼ inch on a floured surface.
If preferred, cut the dough into thin squares, rectangles, or strips using a knife or pizza cutter.

Fry the Chin-Chin:

Heat vegetable oil at approximately 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer. 

Fry the cut dough in small batches, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Fry for three to five minutes per batch, until golden brown.

Using a slotted spoon, remove, then drain on paper towels.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the Chin-Chin to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Serve as a snack or dessert.

Significance of Chin-Chin as a New Year Dessert

In many West African communities, Chin-Chin is significant both culturally and symbolically, particularly during the New Year’s festivities. This is the reason: 

A Sign of Plenty:
Prosperity and abundance are symbolised by the vast amount prepared, wishing the family well in the upcoming year. 

Celebration of Togetherness: 

As the family rings in the New Year, camaraderie and joy are fostered by the preparation of Chin-Chin, which frequently involves the entire family. 

Sweet Beginnings:

Its rich, sweet flavour represents beginning the New Year on a “sweet” and upbeat note. 

Adaptability for Events:
Making Chin-Chin in large quantities is simple, which makes it ideal for entertaining visitors at celebratory gatherings—a custom that is popular during New Year’s celebrations. 

Chin-Chin is more than just a snack because of its flavorful crunch and symbolic meaning; it’s a beloved custom during festivities!