Pasteli (Greek Sesame Candy)

[supernova]

This was requested in the Nutella thread. I will have to get a bunch of sesame seeds and make some. it is a delicious snack that I find satifies my sweet tooth without giving me cravings for more. The stuff I've gotten from the store in the past has indeed been quite brittle, but this recipe says that the pure honey version is just chewy.

Pasteli

Tip: The quality and taste of the honey will have an effect on the final product. Try this recipe with organic honey of your preference (thyme, wildflower, fir, pine, chestnut, etc.).

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups of honey
3 cups of hulled white sesame seeds
1 strip of lemon peel (about 1/4 x 1 inch) (optional, see note)

Preparation:
Note: If desired, add the lemon peel to give the pasteli a light hint of lemon.

In a saucepan, bring honey and lemon peel to a boil. Add sesame seeds stirring continuously and continue to cook while stirring to mix completely and thoroughly. When the seeds are fully mixed in and the mixture has boiled again, remove from heat. Remove and discard lemon peel.

Spread a piece of baking parchment on a cool work surface and spread out the hot mixture thinly and evenly, on the paper (about 1/4 inch high).

When the pasteli cools to room temperature, refrigerate, as is, on the parchment paper (it doesn't need to be covered). Chill for at least 2-3 hours.

With a kitchen shears, cut the pasteli into small pieces, together with the parchment paper on the bottom, and serve.

To eat, peel off the parchment paper.

http://greekfood.about.com/od/candy/r/softses_pasteli.htm

[KC]

1. Thank you

I can't wait to try this !