Greek Pasteli (Sesame Seed & Honey Snacks)

While in Greece I saw this "candy" that I loved from childhood...little bites of sesame and honey that were soft because they did not have any sugar. Inspired, I set out to see if I could buy them in the US but found instead that they are incredibly easy to make! So here is a recipe adapted from one found on www.globalgourmet.com. Each bar is 30 grams, which is a typical food bar you would get in the health food store.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 30 bars

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄3 cups honey
• 3⁄4 cup water
• 3 1⁄2 cups  hulled sesame seeds
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon zest, chopped finely

Directions

1. In a heavy pan, bring the honey and water to "firm ball stage" (130 degrees C/250 degrees F).
2. Take off the heat and stir in the sesame seeds and lemon zest.
3. On a flat marble surface (or metal trays moistened with water, or a layer of parchment) spread the mixture evenly with a spatula or knife (or try a rolling pin) to 1 cm (1/4 inch) thickness.
4. Before it cools, cut into squares (try a pizza cutter).
5. When it is completely cool, wrap the squares in waxed paper and store in a covered container.