Sesame Nut Crunch Recipes

CRUNCHY SESAME SEED CANDY RECIPE

Steps:

• Toast the raw sesame seeds in a non-stick pan until golden, for 6-8 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. When they are golden brown and spread a nice nutty smell, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately transfer them into a bowl, otherwise they might get burnt due to the heat of the pan.
• Put the sugar in a large pan and let it melt over medium heat. Do NOT stir it, swirl the pan instead to avoid crystallization. When some parts of the sugar melts and some parts of it remains as it is, use a heat-proof spatula with a long handle and fold the melted sugar on the unmelted sugar. This will help the melted sugar not to burn and unmelted sugar to melt. Swirl the pan again for a few times. Repeat the same step for any unmelted sugar.
• When the sugar completely melts and turns into an amber color, remove it from the heat. Immediately add in the toasted sesame seeds and give it a good stir. Make sure they are combined well.
• Transfer the caramelized sesame seeds onto a parchment paper and spread it with a spatula. It will be too hot, so be careful and don't touch it.
• Place another parchment sheet on the sticky sesame seeds and level the mixture with a rolling pin.
• Slice with a sharp knife when it is still hot. You can cut it into squares, triangles or rectangles. And they don't have to look perfect.
• Let them cool completely and store in jars or airtight containers at room temperatures for several weeks.

SESAME BRITTLE

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
• Combine sugar, honey, and water in a small, thick bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until a smooth slurry forms, about 3 minutes. Stir in raw sesame seeds.
• Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until mixture turns an amber-caramel color, 5 to 10 minutes. A candy thermometer should read 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla extract. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet.
• Cool until hardened, 15 to 20 minutes. Break into pieces.

CRUNCHY SESAME SEED CANDY

Steps:

• Coat a 9-inch-square baking pan or dish with oil or non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
• Put the sesame seeds into an ungreased 10-inch skillet (preferably one with a non-stick surface) and stir them over medium-high heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and aromatic.
• Temporarily transfer the seeds (they will be hot) to a bowl, making sure that none are left in the skillet; set aside.
• Put the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger into the skillet and mix them well.
• Slowly bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• As soon as the entire mixture comes to a full rolling boil, cook it vigorously for exactly 2 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the sesame seeds until well mixed.
• Quickly turn out the hot mixture into the prepared pan and use a metal spatula that has been dipped into cold water to press the candy into a very smooth and even layer.
• Cool the candy in the pan for l5 minutes, or until it is solid but still lukewarm.
• Run the spatula around the edge of the candy to loosen it.
• Then turn out the whole slab of candy onto a wooden board or other cutting surface.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the large square of warm candy into very small squares, diamonds, or rectangles.
• Cool the candies completely; then store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• If a professional look is desired, roll each cooked candy in a small piece of stiff cellophane and twist the ends.