Halva Sweet New Year!

Although the Gregorian calendar does not feature as the primary one for holiday dates here in Israel, I am delighted to add another significant new year. It simply helps to reinforce the common goals that we all share. After all, we all inhabit the same world, breath the same air, and wish for a happy, healthy, productive and peaceful existence.

It seems fitting then that I offer something “Sweet” to stimulate the pleasurable sensations in this New Year 2015 blog. To this end, I have chosen a delicious confection called Halva. Halva is the “dessert from the desert”and is served across many continents including but not least, the Middle East.

Halva is a dense but crumbly concoction somewhat resembling a block of butter or a wheel of cheese in its whole form and is generally sold in slices according to weight (or prepackaged).  In my humble (sweet-toothed) opinion, the tastiest of Halva is based on tahini, (sesame paste) with honey and generously mixed with pistachio nuts or ribbons of chocolate (but not recommended in excess for those who are weight conscious). Do not be fooled by the almost unappetizing appearance because the taste is just exquisite. Take your first nibble and, that little crumb barely touching the tongue bursts into an explosion of unexpected creamy sweetness. Then with unshakeable determination the sensory system fully kicks in, hitting you with that moreish feeling which takes over rationality. Another weensy piece finds its way to your eagerly awaiting mouth….