Here is a kid friendly recipe to use if you are afraid of peanut butter, are caught in the shortage, or have peanut allergies--for a no-cook candy kids love to make.
Both taihini (sesame seed) and soy (soybean) butters are similar to peanut butters in flavor and consistency. They can be added to many recipes in the place of peanut butter. Use the same measurements.
Sesame seed butter or tahini can be made by toasting and grinding the seeds in a blender. Some people prefer the sesame seeds ground raw and this will work except that the paste made by grinding is too dry. Add a small amount of canola or pecan oil or more honey to the recipe to make up the difference .
The butters can now be purchased ground from health food or retail stores. Many children who cannot digest peanut butters or have allergies to peanuts can be given tahini or soy butter in its place.
Yummy no-cook tahini candy:
Tahini butter is made by grinding up sesame seeds. This candy must be adjusted according to the thickness of your tahini paste. It is fun to make and a very healthy alternative to candy. A great snack and healthy treat.
Directions:
- Place two cups of sesame seeds in a blender and blend at high until the seeds are ground finely. Smooth into a paste.
- Mix in 1/2 cup of soy butter if desired.
- Stir in 1/4 cup honey.
- Mix in1/2 cup wheat germ .
- Mix well using a heavy wooden spoon.
- Turn out on a board and knead by hand until the consistency and feel of play dough.
- Now knead in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips. (Regular size and other flavors also may be added.
- Roll into snakes and roll the snakes up in waxed paper.
- Chill well.
- Cut off chunks about one inch long.
- Roll in whole sesame seeds.
- Wrap like tootsie rolls in pieces of waxed paper.
- Refrigerate until eaten.
Besides being great fun to mix, knead, roll and wrap, tahini candies are a nutritious snack. Children may not go for them at first, but they will soon see that the candy is similar to peanut butter cups. The chocolate chips will make the transition more tempting.
For greater variety try adding some of these to find the taste your kids like best: coconut, golden raisins, dried chopped fruits, dates, carob chips, white chocolate chips, etc.
See also my recipe for Rachel's soy butter cookies.
