Thread by @MollyMcKew

Made some of my favorite post-Soviet-world treats for an under-the-weather friend (toasted sesame seeds in a spiced honey caramel, basically).

Sesame seeds are loaded with iron, magnesium, calcium, protein — a good gift for all kinds of friends and neighbors who need a boost.

Also a good opportunity to use your trusted Jameson rolling pin

Some of you asked for a recipe. There are as many versions as grandmothers but I like mine crunchy and use this:

2 c sesame seeds
1/2 c fragrant honey (orange blossom etc)
1/2 c raw sugar
Spices to taste— I use 1/2 or 1 tsp cinnamon & ginger plus some coriander & lavender

You can add whatever to them — I often put in some chopped pistachios or other nuts

Toast sesame seeds in skillet (you don’t have to). I like mine on the dark side for nuttier/earthier flavor. Set aside.

Caramel: stir honey sugar spices together in skillet, heat on medium.

Bring to rapid boil (don’t stir when boiling), boil 2 minutes. Turn off heat, stir in seeds & nuts (if using) to mix thoroughly. No dawdling.

Scrape out onto parchment paper very lightly brushed with sunflower (or other innocuous) oil. Cover with more parchment & roll out

Remember the liquid caramel is like napalm and do not get it on your skin FFS!

You can do it however thick you want — I like them pretty thin, 1/8”-ish.

Let sit about 10-12 min until slightly cooked, use sharp bench knife or cleaver or whatever to cut into pieces.

Pick a shape you like that is easy to eat and doesn’t require biting it in half. Work with alacrity before it hardens. (You can snack on it now without searing tastebuds)

Allow to cool fully before moving to airtight container for storage or wrap as gifts.

Easy recipe.

For bulk sesame seeds: order online or middle eastern or Ukrainian shops are cheapest

That is “until slightly COOLED” above not cooked obviously