Arizona Mesquite Honey is a beautiful golden color that pays homage to the Sonoran Desert. Native to the southwest and Mexico, mesquite is a popular tree in the Phoenix valley. The mesquite blooms are a light yellow color that is reflected in the honey produced from their blossoms.
Mesquite Honey is Perfect for Recipes
Mesquite blossoms create a mild-flavored honey that is available year round. Consequently, mesquite honey is perfectly suitable for using in recipes. An example is using the honey to make a simple syrup (see our recipe here). The simple syrup is ideal to use in lemonade, cocktails, or coffee because it is much easier to measure than solid honey. In a similar way, the mild flavor is also conducive for using in desserts. Often, we don’t want the floral flavor to overpower the taste of other ingredients, especially in baked goods. With that in mind, a balance of ingredients with the honey’s flavor is exactly what is needed for making Simsimias!
Simsimia – Sesame Bars
- 3 cups raw sesame seeds
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raw almonds
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup Absolutely Delightful Arizona Mesquite Honey
Lightly pan roast the sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds over medium heat and stir frequently until the sesame seeds are a light brown color.
In a small saucepan, stir the mesquite honey and sugar over medium heat until they have dissolved completely.
Combine the sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds in a large bowl. Add the sugar and honey mixture. Grease a mixing spoon and stir until combined well.
You will need an 8½” x 12″ jelly roll pan or substitute with something similar. Lay a piece of parchment paper (or nonstick aluminum foil) in the pan, spooning the mixture into the pan. Lay out another piece of parchment on top. Use a rolling pin to flatten. Remove the parchment and allow to cool.
Once cooled, remove from the pan and remove the paper. Use a pastry cutter or sharp knife to cut the bar into small squares.
Adapted from Mid East Chef
