Pasteli - Greek Sesame & Honey Candy! |
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Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 10 |
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Pasteli is a traditional Greek candy made from plenty of honey and sesame seeds. Nuts, sultanas & other ingredients can also be added. Traditionally, these small wrapped pieces of pasteli are given at baptisms. If you have a candy thermometer you can use it - pasteli should be cooked until 250°F - firm ball stage . Cooling time not included in prep. time. Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups honey |
3 cups of hulled white sesame seeds |
1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds or 1/4 cup chopped peanuts |
1 strip lemon peel |
rose water |
1 cup sesame seeds |
oil |
Directions:
1. 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.
2. Place a large sheet of parchment on a flat work surface.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. (Instead of pouring straight onto the paper you can use a lightly oiled jelly / jam roll tin, then follow the rest of the instructions.).
6. 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.
7. Wrap each piece individually in small pieces of waxed paper and store in an airtight container.
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