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Middle Eastern Kid-friendly Quick & easy

Halva

A dense, sweet confection typically made from tahini.

30 minutes
Serves 8
Dessert

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line a 8x4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Sprinkle half of the toasted pistachios evenly over the bottom of the pan.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, have the room-temperature tahini and vanilla extract ready.

  3. 3

    In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Attach a candy thermometer and boil without stirring until the syrup reaches exactly 240°F (115°C), the soft-ball stage.

  4. 4

    Immediately remove the syrup from the heat and carefully, slowly pour it into the tahini while gently stirring with a wooden spoon.

  5. 5

    Stir the mixture just until it begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and takes on a dull, crystallized texture (do not over-mix, or the halva will become crumbly instead of flaky). Fold in the remaining pistachios.

  6. 6

    Quickly press the warm mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours to cure before slicing.

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