Salted Pistachio Sesame Squares

Sometimes I just want a treat that has an unusual flavor combination....and this one hits the spot.  I changed the crust in the recipe below because the Honey Wheat Thin Stix I gave a whirl didn't really add anything to the flavor over graham cracker crumbs.  I couldn't resist trying them out though...it was like a salty graham cracker...it called to me.   It was fun to try the Stix, but I used almost an entire box to equal one sleeve of graham crackers...it just seemed like a bad trade without a huge boost in flavor.  I might try a crushed pretzel crust at some point though.

The coarse sea salt on the top of the squares is the perfect finish for this treat.  I do love the mix of salty and sweet.  The little dose of salt really just makes makes the flavor pop.  Mmmm....salty goodness.  I had been experimenting with a Pistachio Sesame drop cookie, but the flavor was so delicate it wasn't doing much for me.  This bar cookie does the job though.  ;)


Salted Pistachio Sesame Squares

1/2 cups tub margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbls sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup shredded coconut
1 1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
14oz non fat sweetened condensed milk
1 cup pistachios, chopped
3/4 cup brown sesame seeds
1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
coarse sea salt

Mix together the melted margarine, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt.  Press into 8x8 greased pan.  Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Mix together coconut, semi sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, pistachios, and sesame seeds.  Spread mixture over crust and bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes.  Cool.  Spread melted milk chocolate over top of bars and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Chill to set before cutting into squares.


Another pic of the goodies...
I love the side view of these treats with the green pistachios chunks.  Nothing like a little unusual color to make things interesting.  It's sooooo greeeeen.