Greek Island Candy Recipes

GREEK PASTELI (SESAME SEED & HONEY SNACKS)

Steps:

• In a heavy pan, bring the honey and water to "firm ball stage" (130 degrees C/250 degrees F).
• Take off the heat and stir in the sesame seeds and lemon zest.
• 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.
• Before it cools, cut into squares (try a pizza cutter).
• When it is completely cool, wrap the squares in waxed paper and store in a covered container.

GREEK SESAME SEED CANDY

Steps:

• Put bakeware liner in a large shallow baking pan (1 inch deep). Remove bottom of springform pan and set aside. Oil inside of springform ring with vegetable oil and put ring, upside down, in center of bakeware liner.
• Bring honey, sesame seeds, and salt to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, then boil undisturbed until mixture registers 280 to 290°F on thermometer, about 15 minutes.
• Holding ring in place, quickly pour mixture into ring, then cool on a rack until candy is set but still warm, about 40 minutes. Unmold by peeling ring with candy off bakeware liner. Transfer candy to a cutting board, then run a paring knife around edge of springform ring and lift ring off candy. Cut candy into 1-inch pieces with an oiled large knife.

PASTELI - GREEK SESAME & HONEY CANDY!

Steps:

• 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.
• Place a large sheet of parchment on a flat work surface.
• Carefully pour the honey mixture onto the paper to form a square or rectangle about 1/2" thick. Lightly sprinkle the paper with rose water & cover with half of the sesame seeds.
• Dip a spatula into rose water or oil and press down the pasteli then. Cover the surface with the remaining sesame seeds and press them into the pasteli with the spatula.
• (Instead of pouring straight onto the paper you can use a lightly oiled jelly / jam roll tin, then follow the rest of the instructions.).
• Allow to cool slightly - do not leave too long or it will become impossible to cut!. Once firm, cut into squares or diamonds and allow to cool properly.
• Wrap each piece individually in small pieces of waxed paper and store in an airtight container.

MIJA (GREEK CANDY)

Steps:

• Cook all ingredients except chocolate bars over high heat in heavy pan.
• Stir constantly until amber or brown, DO NOT BURN.
• Pour into buttered 9 X 13 inch pan.
• While still hot place 7 Hershey bars on top, spread after melted.
• Cool and crack.

GREEK ISLAND CANDY

Steps:

• 1. Brown whole pecans in 1/2 stick margarine; drain pecans. Combine all other ingredients with pecans. Bring to a boil and boil hard for three minutes. Remove from heat and beat until creamy and thick (it will lose its shine) enough to drop on wax paper by teaspoonful. ENJOY!!! (The pecans are not chopped; keep whole)