I feel like a human pinata. The disappointing thing is, no candy is going to spill out. – Katie Couric This is what halva should look like. Mine...does not. Photo: Sandy Austin, Flickr ccl This one is for all my friends who think I pull stuff off perfectly all the time. Today I’m going to share with you a bit of a disaster. A sweet, sweet disaster, but a flop none the less. I was looking at halva (it has many other spellings as well – helva, halava, halawa, halawi, halwa) at the grocery the other day and upon looking at the price decided it might be worth my while to try making it. More correct halva. Photo: moomoobloo, Flickr ccl There are two main types of halva. One is made with flour, the other with nut-butter (usually tahini). I chose the tahini method. It’s what I was used to buying. Purchased halva (and I can only assume mine as well ) is a crumbly, fluffy sweet that is studded with (in my case) pistachios. The recipe tastes great. It’s just I didn’t pull it off. Rather than fluffy, it’s “creamy.” Not that it's bad, just..unexpected. Sort of like a very soft nougat. My halva tastes exactly as it should. It just doesn’t LOOK like it should. This recipe sounds like it should work. If anyone makes their own halva and can see where I messed up I would certainly appreciate a comment. The stuff tastes great. It’s just I know no amount of setting up in the refrigerator is going to render it the way it should be. I think the directions I followed were perhaps a bit sketchy. I believe I should have done the entire operation in the food processor rather than trying to “mix” with a spatula – maybe. It didn’t say specifically. The recipe came from a page that was associated with a dead link so I have no idea who to thank/blame…except me. Next time I’m going to cook the sugar longer to give it a harder structure. The stated temperature says hard ball stage, but 235°F is soft ball stage. That may be where I fell down. Here it is. If you do try it, the recipe makes a loaf pan nearly full, and it really does taste very authentic. I think with only two adjustments this recipe would have it down pat. Homemade Pistachio Halva* 2 c sugar 1 c water 454 g sesame paste (tahini) 3 tsp pure vanilla 2 egg whites 1 c shelled pistachios (unsalted) Combine sugar and water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook to the hard-ball stage (a few drops of syrup, when dropped into small basin of cold water, will form a firm ball that will not flatten on removal) or a temperature of 234 degrees. Set aside. (Note: hard ball is between 250°F and 265°F.) Put sesame paste with its oil in container of electric mixer or food processor. Add vanilla, blending thoroughly. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into sesame paste. When thoroughly blended, gradually add 3/4 c of the syrup, stirring. When completely blended fold in nuts and remaining syrup. (Note: I don’t think folding outside the food processor is correct. Next time I’ll do it all in the processor.) Pour and scrape mixture into loaf pan. Smooth over top. Cover tightly and refrigerate 3 days before unmolding. This halvah will keep for 6 months in refrigerator. Mine. Not fluffy in the least. But tasty... which is slight comfort. * I think I'll try 4 egg whites (as opposed to the inadequate 2) and change up the method. I'm going to whip the whites and then slowly incorporate the hot syrup directly into them like an Italian meringue, Then I'll add in the tahini/vanilla/nuts into that in the mixer. At the least it will be a different result. ………………………………….. If you like this post retweet it using the link at top right, or share using any of the links below. Questions? Comments? Derogatory remarks?
I made the viral date bark that is going around right now, except put a little twist on it by making it higher protein! These kind of remind me of my No Bake "Protein "Unstuffed" Date Squares. These are such a quick and easy sweet treat that taste like a candy bar! You only need 5 simple ingredients and you can even make these treats in bulk and store them in your freezer! There is no added sugar and you can customize the toppings in SO many ways.
When I go to an Italian restaurant, I usually order tiramisu for dessert if it's on the menu. I love it as a summer dessert since it's so light. I got to thinking, why not play around with the traditional recipe and do something a little different? I used limoncello, in keeping with the Italian vibe, and added a little ginger for some zing. It's so light and refreshing, a perfect end to a summer meal on a hot night. I like making this when I serve grilled chicken Parmesan. The best part is that you can make it completely in advance.
Soft, share-able, and perfect for Juneteenth.
There are a few things that are popular to have on St. Patricks Day; a pint of Guinness, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Bailey’s Irish Cream is an Irish dairy cream drink with chocolate and Irish whiskey, it’s become a staple on St. Patrick’s Day. It can be enjoyed by in coffee,…
These healthy, No Bake "Protein "Unstuffed" Date Squares are a quick and easy low calorie treat that taste like a candy bar! They remind me of a Snickers Bar but with almond butter. You only need 5 simple ingredients and you can even make these treats in bulk and store them in your freezer! These are just the perfect little after work/school snack! They are only 78 calories each and have no added sugar!! If you love no bake recipes, try my Healthy Date Caramel Dip as well.
This weekend on The Kitchen, I’m making the famous CINNAMON ROLLS for our “Sweet and Savory Start” episode. We are cooking up so many great breakfast recipes and I’m really excited to share these with all of you.
Maritozzi con la panna at Regoli (Rome’s year-round buns) Rome’s maritozzi con la panna, butter-based leavened buns, are having a moment. Well, not really, its just that now there is one more place in town (Roscioli Caffè) that sells them. They used to be a pretty common breakfast food in Rome, but that all started […]
Homemade marshmallows infused with spiced apple cider, sweetened with a touch of honey, and so light and fluffy that you'll never go back to packaged
This Turkish delight recipe is delicately chewy, perfectly sweetened, and authentically flavored with a touch of rosewater.
Enjoy this tasty creamy chocolate fudge recipe that’s perfect for a dessert.
The other day, we went on a hunt.A Big Hunk Hunt.We failed miserably, and came home without even one.They certainly aren't my favorite candy bar . . . but the hubbie really likes them.He doesn't love anything sweet - except for me of course.hee hee.So . . . I went on a hunt of my own.I found…
Whether you're looking for a sugar fix or want something healthy, here’s the perfect Easter snacks for you! Satisfy your Easter munchies with these colorful snacks. Here’s 15 Easter treats that are so cute and easy to make!
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Yesterday marked three major events for people I love – Mother’s Day, my baby brother’s confirmation, and Trevor’s birthday. Since a confirmation happens only once, and since being at home killed two birds with one stone (kidding! I’m always happy to be home), I spent the day with my family, celebrating. Even though Trevor and...
Here is an awesome stock up deal for you on Nestle mini chocolates. These are what my mom calls "the good stuff"; grab this large 90 count bag of Nestle CHOCO
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You can talk about love and family and goodwill towards men all you like, but we all know that at the end of the day, the holidays are about one thing: food. OK, there might be a little more to it than that, but food is a huge part of how we…