Sesame Seed Candy

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Step 2

Heat a heavy, wide-bottomed sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the sesame seeds and toast lightly, about 2 minutes, stirring vigorously so they toast evenly. Keep a careful eye on the sesame seeds as they go from toasted to burnt really quickly. As soon as they start to brown, remove from heat.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan on medium heat, add maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar and bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Lower to medium-low and continue to simmer for another five minutes, stirring regularly.

Step 6

Remove from heat and stir in sesame seeds and pistachios.

Step 7

Pour over a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Use a spatula to distribute the candy evenly. It should be a little shy of 1/2 inch thick.

Step 8

Bake for 20 minutes. As ovens vary, be sure to check close to the end of the bake; if the sesame seeds look like they are about to burn, remove the candy from the oven early.

Step 9

Cool to room temperature. Then, snap into pieces and enjoy!