Greek Pasteli (Sesame Seed & Honey Snacks)

All-Natural-Nut's Note:

While in Greece I saw this "candy" that I loved from childhood...little bites of sesame and honey that were soft because they did not have any sugar. Inspired, I set out to see if I could buy them in the US but found instead that they are incredibly easy to make! So here is a recipe adapted from one found on www.globalgourmet.com. Each bar is 30 grams, which is a typical food bar you would get in the health food store.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 30 bars

• 1 1/3 cups honey
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 1/2 cups hulled sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, chopped finely

Directions:

1. In a heavy pan, bring the honey and water to "firm ball stage" (130 degrees C/250 degrees F).
2. Take off the heat and stir in the sesame seeds and lemon zest.
3. On a flat marble surface (or metal trays moistened with water, or a layer of parchment) spread the mixture evenly with a spatula or knife (or try a rolling pin) to 1 cm (1/4 inch) thickness.
4. Before it cools, cut into squares (try a pizza cutter).
5. When it is completely cool, wrap the squares in waxed paper and store in a covered container.

Reviews

[championbee]

We made these tasty treats for Greek nite - they were a hit and they last forever so we enjoyed them for days afterwards. I'm about the make them again!

[adopt a greyhound]

I cut this down for 10 bars and they are very good. Think I will add more lemon zest next time. I served this with a Greek meal for dessert. Used parchment paper to spread it on and then flattened it with the sides of the paper. Very easy to do.

[Sydney Mike]

WHAT A GREAT TASTING TREAT! I made this for one of the monthly groups I host, & enjoyed the unusualness of this snack! The group loved it & several asked for the recipe! "2 slices of lemon zest," was a little vague, however, since my zester gives long fine strips, so I simply improvised by using a very rounded teaspoonful! This is certainly something I'll be making again & again! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe! [Tagged, made & reviewed for one of my adopted chefs in the current Pick A Chef]