Sesame Brittle: A Taste of Sicily

The first time I tasted sesame brittle, I was wandering through a bustling marketplace in Palermo. The air was thick with the scent of spices and roasting nuts, and a vendor with a mischievous grin offered me a shard of something golden and impossibly crunchy. The moment it shattered in my mouth, releasing a wave of nutty sweetness, I was hooked. It was a simple pleasure, yet profoundly satisfying – a taste of the sun-drenched Sicilian landscape captured in a single bite. Years later, I’m still chasing that perfect bite, and this recipe gets me remarkably close to that memory.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 36 pieces
• Yield: 1 large brittle sheet
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (often Vegan, check honey source)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 1/2 cups sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 lemon, zest of, finely grated

Equipment Needed

• Jellyroll pan or other large, oblong pan
• Butter or oil for greasing
• Towel or trivets (to protect countertop from heat)
• Wide, deep pan
• Metal spoon
• Candy thermometer
• Spatula
• Buttered or oiled knife
• Airtight container
• Waxed paper

Instructions

1. First, prepare your workspace. Generously butter or oil a jellyroll pan or another large, oblong pan. Have a towel or trivets ready to place underneath the pan to protect your countertop from the heat. This is crucial, as the brittle will be extremely hot.

2. In a wide, deep pan, combine the sugar and honey. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring evenly with a metal spoon. Be patient and watch carefully, as the honey will foam considerably.

3. Insert a candy thermometer into the honey mixture. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the thermometer reaches 225°F (107°C).

4. Once the temperature reaches 225°F, add the remaining ingredients: the sesame seeds, ground cinnamon, and finely grated lemon zest. Stir continuously until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

5. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 300-310°F (149-154°C) on the candy thermometer. This is the “light caramel” stage. The color should be a beautiful golden brown. Note: if you prefer a slightly “burnt” caramel flavor, you can cook to 325°F (163°C), but be extremely careful, as it can burn quickly at this stage. Be sure to open a window or turn on your range hood if cooking to this higher temperature.

6. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Carefully pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan or pans, spreading it evenly with your spoon. Work quickly, as the brittle will begin to set as it cools.

7. Allow the brittle to cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, but still warm and flexible, use a spatula to loosen it from the pan.

8. While the brittle is still warm and pliable, use a buttered or oiled knife to cut it into rows about 1 inch wide. Then, cut the rows diagonally into bite-sized diamond shapes. Keep your knife buttered or oiled to prevent sticking.

9. Allow the brittle to cool completely before storing.

10. Store the cooled sesame brittle in an airtight container, with layers separated by waxed paper. This will prevent the pieces from sticking together.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Rush the Caramel: Achieving the right caramel color is crucial for both flavor and texture. Be patient and don’t crank up the heat to speed up the process. Slow and steady wins the brittle race.
• Prevent Sticking: Keeping your knife buttered or oiled while cutting the brittle is essential for clean, even cuts. Re-apply the butter or oil as needed.
• Lemon Zest Adjustment: The recipe calls for the zest of one lemon, which gives a noticeable citrus flavor. If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, reduce the amount of zest.
• Even Spreading is Key: Ensure that the sesame brittle mixture is spread evenly in the pan. Uneven spreading can lead to some pieces being too thin and others too thick.
• Thermometer Calibration: Make sure your candy thermometer is properly calibrated for accurate temperature readings.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Sesame brittle is perfect enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat, or paired with a cup of strong coffee or tea. You can also crush it and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. When properly stored, it will last for up to 2 weeks. It is not recommended to refrigerate the brittle, as this can cause it to become sticky. Freezing is also not recommended, as it may affect the texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	70 kcal	4%
Total Fat	3g	4%
Saturated Fat	0.4g	2%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	11g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.7g	2%
Sugars	9.6g	–
Protein	1.1g	2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nutty Twist: Add other nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, along with the sesame seeds for a more complex flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices, such as cardamom or ginger, in place of or in addition to the cinnamon.
• Seed Variety: Substitute black sesame seeds for some or all of the white sesame seeds for a more intense, earthy flavor.
• Honey Alternatives: While honey provides a unique flavor, you could experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, though this may alter the final texture slightly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my sesame brittle sticky?
A: Stickiness can be caused by insufficient cooking time or humidity. Ensure the mixture reaches the correct temperature (300-310°F) and store the brittle in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use a different type of pan?
A: Yes, but a large, flat pan is best for even spreading. Avoid using pans that are too small or deep, as this can affect the cooking time and texture.

Q: My brittle burned! What did I do wrong?
A: The most common cause of burning is cooking at too high a temperature. Monitor the candy thermometer carefully and reduce the heat if needed.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
A: While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. A candy thermometer ensures accurate temperature control, which is crucial for achieving the right texture. Without one, you’ll have to rely on visual cues, which can be tricky.

Q: How do I prevent the sesame seeds from clumping together?
A: Stir the mixture continuously after adding the sesame seeds to ensure they are evenly distributed and don’t clump.

Final Thoughts

This sesame brittle recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a journey back to that bustling Sicilian marketplace, a taste of sunshine and simple pleasures. It’s an opportunity to bring a touch of Mediterranean magic into your own kitchen. Don’t be intimidated by candy making; this recipe is surprisingly forgiving, and the reward is well worth the effort. So, go ahead, give it a try! Share your creations with friends and family, and let the warm, nutty sweetness of sesame brittle transport you to sun-drenched shores. And don’t forget to share your feedback – I’d love to hear how your brittle turns out! Perhaps pair it with a scoop of creamy pistachio ice cream for the ultimate Sicilian-inspired dessert.