SESAME CANDIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Wash sesame seeds and remove any debris that may be in the seeds and drain well.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat until a drop of water bounces around the skillet.
• Pour seeds into skillet and stir constantly.
• Dry and parch seeds until light brown, approximately 2 minutes.
• Watch closely, do not burn seeds.
• In a heavy saucepan, combine and melt the sugar, butter, milk and vinegar.
• Using a wooden spoon, stir constantly until ingredients are dissolved.
• Cook over medium high heat to light crack stage.
• If using a candy thermometer, the temperature should be between 265 and 285 degrees F.
• Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove from heat and beat in the sesame seeds with your spoon.
• Pour immediately into prepared an 11 by 2-inch pyrex baking dish.
• Score candy while still warm and cut into squares when cool.

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.