Step 1

Line an 8- or 9-inch metal pan (or a 7x11 or 9x13 pan) with foil or parchment, and spray with cooking spray. Set aside. Measure out your sesame seeds and place near your stovetop.

Step 2

Combine butter, sugar, and salt in a heavy-bottomed 1.5 or 2-quart pot. Cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. It usually takes about 4 minutes for the butter and sugar to melt together. Continue to cook another minute or two, stirring occasionally, until the sugar mixture becomes a light amber color.

Step 3

Place in a candy thermometer. (This may be difficult. You may need to tilt the pot to get the syrup high enough to take a reading.) When the syrup is between 290-300F, add the sesame seeds. This usually is 7-10 minutes after I put the pot on the stove.

Step 4

Continue to stir and cook until the seeds take on a light amber color. This usually only takes an extra 2-3 minutes for me.

Step 5

Immediately remove from heat and pour into the prepared pan. Let cool at least an hour before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container.