Ginger Sesame Brittle Food

SESAME BRITTLE

Steps:

• Generously oil a sheet pan (preferably one with sides) measuring at least 11 by 17-inches with vegetable oil. In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cream of tartar and corn syrup and bring to a boil over medium heat. Using a candy thermometer to test it, boil the mixture until it reaches 340 to 350 degrees. The color should be deep golden brown. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, then mix in the sesame seeds and baking soda. Pour the mixture onto the oiled pan and spread it out a bit with the back of a wooden spoon, to about a 1/4-inch thickness. For thinner brittle, place a silpat on top and roll to desired thickness while it's still warm. Let harden, uncovered, in a cool place, 30 to 45 minutes. (To wash the saucepan, soak it overnight.) Using your hands, wearing white gloves if desired to keep off any fingerprints, break the brittle into pieces. Store in an airtight container. To rewarm, place in a 350-degree oven.

SESAME BRITTLE

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
• Combine sugar, honey, and water in a small, thick bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until a smooth slurry forms, about 3 minutes. Stir in raw sesame seeds.
• Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until mixture turns an amber-caramel color, 5 to 10 minutes. A candy thermometer should read 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla extract. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet.
• Cool until hardened, 15 to 20 minutes. Break into pieces.

SEEDED HONEYCOMB BRITTLE

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high; add pepitas and cook, shaking skillet constantly, until darkened and beginning to pop, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add sunflower seeds to skillet and cook, shaking constantly, until golden and beginning to pop, about 1 minute. Transfer to plate with pepitas; let cool.
• Reduce heat to medium. Add sesame seeds to skillet and cook, shaking constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Transfer to plate; let cool completely. Add poppy seeds to plate; stir to combine.
• Coat a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, bring sugar, honey, and 1/3 cup water to a boil over high, stirring until sugar and honey are dissolved. Reduce heat to medium-high and boil, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 300 degrees. Remove from heat, add baking soda, and whisk vigorously just until incorporated, 2 to 3 seconds.
• Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet (do not spread; it will flow out to fill sheet). Immediately sprinkle with seed mixture and flaky salt. Let cool completely. Break into pieces; serve. Brittle can be stored in an airtight container up to 1 week.

SESAME BRITTLE

Steps:

• Butter or oil a jellyroll pan or other large, oblong pans; you might put a towel or trivets under it to protect your counter top or table from heat.
• Put sugar and honey in a wide, deep pan and bring to a boil over medium heat; mix evenly with a metal spoon.
• (Note that the honey will foam a lot.).
• Using a candy thermometer, note when mixture reaches 225°F and add remaining ingredients, stirring until they are mixed evenly.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, to 300-310°F, a light caramel.
• Remove from heat and pour into prepared pan or pans, spreading evenly with the spoon.
• After it cools slightly, loosen from the pan with a spatula.
• While still warm and flexible, cut into rows about 1 inch wide; then cut diagonally into bite size diamonds (keeping your knife buttered or oiled).
• Store in airtight container; stack layers with waxed paper between them.
• (Notes: If you prefer slightly "burnt" caramel, cook to 325°F and be sure to open a window or put your range hood on high; Too, the lemon zest called for imparts a noticeable citrus flavor--you might reduce this amount if you're not fond of it).