Toasted Sesame Crunch Bars
These delightful Toasted Sesame Crunch Bars, inspired by traditional Jewish confections, offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. The rich flavor of toasted sesame seeds, combined with honey and brown sugar, makes for an irresistible treat that's ideal for festive occasions or as everyday indulgence. The recipe, adapted from 'The Jewish Holiday Cookbook' by Gloria Kaufer Greene, ensures a perfect texture when made on a cool, dry day. Whether you package them for gifts or enjoy them at home, these bars are sure to impress all who taste them.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the pan)
Sesame seeds
2 cups ((about 12 ounces, toasted))
Honey
1/2 cup (preferably raw or organic for enhanced flavor)
Dark brown sugar
1/2 cup ((packed, or light brown sugar as a substitute))
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Prepare a 9-inch-square baking pan by lightly coating it with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2
In an ungreased 10-inch skillet, add the sesame seeds and toast them over medium-high heat, stirring continuously for about 5 to 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, carefully transfer the seeds to a bowl to cool slightly.
3
In the same skillet, combine the honey, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
4
Gradually bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while continuously stirring to prevent burning. Once it reaches a full rolling boil, continue cooking vigorously for exactly 2 minutes.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat and promptly add the toasted sesame seeds into the hot mixture, stirring quickly until all seeds are evenly coated.
6
Immediately pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared baking pan. Utilize a metal spatula, moistened with cold water, to press down firmly and create a smooth, level surface.
7
Allow the candy to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, or until set but still slightly warm to the touch.
8
Once cooled, run the spatula around the edges to loosen the candy and gently invert it onto a wooden cutting board or suitable surface.
9
With a sharp knife, cut the large square of candy into small squares, diamonds, or rectangles, ensuring even sizes for a polished look.
10
Let the individual candies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container for storage at room temperature. For a professional touch, consider wrapping each piece in cellophane and twisting the ends.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Toasted Sesame Crunch Bars?
These are crunchy confections inspired by traditional Jewish recipes, featuring toasted sesame seeds, honey, and brown sugar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9-inch-square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the pan for the candy?
Lightly coat the pan with vegetable oil or a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What is the best way to toast the sesame seeds?
Toast them in an ungreased 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes while stirring continuously.
How can I tell when the sesame seeds are finished toasting?
The seeds will turn golden brown and become fragrant once they are properly toasted.
Can I substitute dark brown sugar with something else?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar as a substitute if dark brown sugar is unavailable.
What spices are used in these sesame bars?
The recipe calls for ground cinnamon and ground ginger to add flavor.
How long should the honey and sugar mixture boil?
Once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil, it should cook vigorously for exactly 2 minutes.
When should I add the sesame seeds to the mixture?
Remove the skillet from the heat first, then promptly stir in the toasted sesame seeds.
How do I create a smooth surface on the candy bars?
Use a metal spatula moistened with cold water to press the hot mixture down firmly into the pan.
How long does the candy need to set in the pan?
It needs to cool for about 15 minutes, or until it is set but still slightly warm to the touch.
How do I remove the candy from the pan?
Run a spatula around the edges to loosen it, then gently invert the pan onto a wooden cutting board.
What shapes can I cut the sesame candy into?
You can cut the large square into small squares, diamonds, or rectangles using a sharp knife.
What is the best way to store Toasted Sesame Crunch Bars?
Store the individual pieces in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I give these bars as gifts?
Yes, for a professional look, you can wrap each piece in cellophane and twist the ends.
Does the weather affect the recipe outcome?
The recipe suggests making these on a cool, dry day to ensure a perfect texture.
Who is the original author of this recipe?
The recipe is adapted from 'The Jewish Holiday Cookbook' by Gloria Kaufer Greene.
What type of honey is recommended?
Raw or organic honey is preferred for an enhanced flavor profile.
Are these bars categorized as a snack or a dessert?
They are categorized as candy and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or a holiday treat.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Should I grease the skillet before toasting the seeds?
No, the seeds should be toasted in an ungreased skillet.
How much sesame seeds do I need?
You will need 2 cups, which is approximately 12 ounces.
Is stirring necessary while boiling the honey mixture?
Yes, continuous stirring is required to prevent the mixture from burning.
Can I use vegetable oil for the pan?
Yes, vegetable oil is an appropriate choice for lightly coating the baking pan.
Do I need to cool the toasted seeds before mixing them with honey?
The instructions state to let them cool slightly in a bowl while you prepare the honey mixture.
How long do the candies need to cool completely?
They should cool completely after being cut before being transferred to storage.
What is the flavor profile of these bars?
They offer a balance of sweetness from honey and brown sugar with the nutty, rich flavor of toasted sesame.
Are these bars suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, they are described as ideal for festive occasions or everyday indulgence.
Is the cinnamon essential for the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included to provide the characteristic warm flavor.