Sesame seeds are ancient and highly nutritious and lend themselves to both savoury and sweet dishes. Here are some sweets that highlight their delicious nuttiness. You will need a candy thermometer to make this sesame brittle. The recipe comes from Leona of Easy As Cookies.
Line a 20-22cm (8-9″-inch”) square metal pan (or a similar sized rectangle) with baking paper and oil lightly. Have one cup of sesame seeds measured and near your stove (I used a mixture of white and black sesame seeds). In a heavy bottomed saucepan combine 70g (2½ oz) of butter, 1 cup sugar, and â…› of a teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar mixture becomes a light amber colour and the temperature is 143-149ºC (290-300ºF). Add the sesame seeds and stir well, cooking until the sesame seeds colour a little. Remove from heat and pour into the prepared pan. Allow the brittle to cool for at least an hour before breaking it into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Sesame nut bars are a great energy boost and taste better than bought ones. This recipe comes from Serious Eats.
Line a 20-22cm (8-9″-inch”) square metal pan (or a similar sized rectangle) with baking paper. In a non-stick sauté pan combine ½ a cup of water, ½ a cup of sugar, ¼ of a cup of honey, 1 cup of sesame seeds, ½ a cup of roasted almonds and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture bubbles and darkens. When the seeds are deeply toasted and the mixture is a deep caramel colour, pour it into the prepared pan. Use a silicone spatula to smooth the surface and allow to cool completely. Turn the block onto a cutting board, and cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
michelle picker cooks 