[Recipe + Video] Dulces de Mani y Ajonjoli (Peanut and Sesame Candies)
Dulce de Mani y Ajonjoli Recipe(Peanut or Sesame Candy) is an easy-to-make and popular candy in the Dominican Republic. We've added some touches we love, and made them into candy-sized pieces.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Caribbean, Dominican
Keyword ajonjoli candy, dulce de ajonjoli in english, dulce de mani, turron dominicano, turrones de mani recipe
½cupof roasted lightly-salted peanuts or sesame seeds(see notes)
Instructions
Prepping paper: Grease parchment paper, although Silpat (baking mat) is preferred.
Making caramel: Mix sugar and water, stir to combine, the sugar will be just damp. Heat in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts turning into a caramel (gets darker), stir if necessary so it doesn't burn in the hots spots.
Adding peanut/sesame: Once it turns into a thick golden brown caramel (5 -7 mins), mix in peanuts or sesame. Remove from the heat and immediately pour carefully onto the greased paper or baking sheet.
Shaping candies: You can pour the hot mixture on the paper in small mounds, which is also a traditional presentation. If instead, you want to shape into squares, once cooler to the touch but still a bit flexible (about 4 mins), cut with a sharp knife into 1 inch [2.5 cm] squares.
Storing: Once it's cooled to room temperature, and the caramel has hardened, store in a lidded jar at room temperature.
Video
Notes
This is traditionally made with unsalted peanuts, but I loved the touch of salt, and I bet you will too once you try it.I added a tablespoon of black sesame seeds to the white sesame for some visual interest.