Sesame toffee

This is, to the best of my knowledge, a South Indian snack, hugely popular with kids, that exists in similar forms in other regions of India (such as the Lonavala Chikki)

Makes : 20-25 pieces of candy.

4 cups (1 lb) white sesame seeds
1/2 cup water
1.5 cups powdered jaggery (in the U.S, an alternative is "Sucanat" - the least processed form of sugarcane juice). This is not unhealthy, unlike processed white sugar.
1/2 a coconut cut into very small pieces (this's more interesting to eat than grated coconut, which's easily available frozen)

In a heavy saucepan, dry roast sesame seeds, until light brown. Set aside. Prepare syrup, by adding water to a heavy saucepan, adding the powdered jaggery and bringing the mixture to a homogenous boil. Add the chopped coconut pieces when the mixtures is boiling. Turn to low heat until the syrup becomes thick and sticky. Add the roasted seeds and mix thoroughly. Turn off the heat. Wet your fingers and palms and shape the mixture into small balls with your fingers. Store in an airtight container.

I made it with my kid today, and it was a very messy scene... I have refrigerated it, although that's probably not necessary. The sugar here is a healthy kind, although you could get too much of it.

I remember making this with my grandma as a kid, and those are really sweet memories. I will be sure to make this on July 25th, her birthday. She'd have turned 89 this year.