Halvah

Step 1

In a medium bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and milk powder. Add the tahini and vanilla and continue to stir until the mixture starts clumping together. Use your clean hands to knead the mixture until it comes together into a smooth, dough-like round that's not sticky. (As shown in the post.) Reem advised me to avoid adding more tahini unless it absolutely won't come together because adding the more tahini you add the softer it will be. (And you don't want it too soft.) If it feels too wet or sticky, add a bit more powdered milk.

Step 2

Line a 3 cup (700ml) glass or plastic container of any shape with a sheet of plastic wrap that goes inside the mold and up and over the edges. Smooth out any wrinkles as best you can and put the pistachios in an even layer on the bottom. Press the halvah mixture into the mold and smooth the top. Rap the container a few times gently on a folded kitchen towel on the countertop to encourage the mixture to pack snugly in the mold. Cover with the plastic wrap overhang and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.