Have you ever tried sesame candy?  If not, it’s definitely one to experience if you want something sweet, chewy, and nutty.  So delicious!  It was one of the sweets that I loved eating as a child and still do.

Growing up I don’t recall this being one of the everyday items that you’d find in the local grocer but rather in a specialty store.  Luckily, the small town that I grew up in had one.  I loved going there.  It was different than the regular grocery store and was full of unique uncommon finds.  When you walked in the store, you were immediately greeted with an exotic aroma of fresh spices that blended in the air.  It was very much like today’s local nature or organic stores that are now so popular but certainly a gem in our little town at the time.

Another place I was sure to find these unique little treats was at my Nona’s.  She had a special crystal candy bowl filled with European candies from the Italian import store.  Every time we visited, I’d quietly disappear into the “candy bowl” room, stealthily lift off the lid so no one could hear and to my delight, would find an assortment of specialty candy:  torrone, fruit and coffee flavored hard candies with a soft center, and my favorite sesame candy.  Of course I would try each and every one and save my favorite sesame for last so that the nutty flavor would linger in my mouth.  Since I didn’t get these treats very often, I got my fill every time we visited and didn’t leave many behind.  It’s sort of funny that still today I can vividly remember that candy bowl and every piece in it.  Awe, sweet delicious memories.

Well, to my great surprise, I came across a recipe for these chewy little sweets in the Mediterranean Paleo Cooking cookbook.  I purchased this cookbook because I thought it would be perfect to help me on my Mediterranean and Paleo diet plan.  I have to admit, for me, it is a mix of recipes that I will try, but then there are easily the same number of recipes that are not appealing and certainly not kid friendly.  But it did include this wonderful recipe from my childhood.

This recipe is incredibly simple and quick.  Whip up a batch and in no time you’ll be enjoying the sweet, chewy, nutty candies with a hint of ginger and cinnamon that make them so delicious.  Trust me if this sounds good to you, maybe bring back some of your own sweet childhood memories, then this is a must recipe you for.  Please give them a try and let me know what you think.  Click Sesame Candy  to print recipe.

Sesame Candy (Mediterranean & Paleo)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 c. raw sesame seeds

1 c. honey

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment or use a silpat.

2. In a large stainless steel skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds, stirring constantly until majority are golden, approximately 5 minutes.  Pour into a bowl.

3. In same skillet over medium heat, add honey and stir until boiling, approximately 3 minutes.  Add toasted sesame seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.  Stir until well combined.

4. Pour mixture onto baking sheet and press into a square shape with your hands.  Please note that this is very hot.  I wet my hands with a little cool water in order to help press it.  As you can see, mine’s not perfect and since it is going to be cut up into pieces, it really doesn’t matter.

5. Let the candy sit on the counter for 1 hour to cool and harden.  It will be pliable and firm enough to handle but not crunchy.  Cut into small rectangles or desired shape.  Store in refrigerator.  Enjoy!