Caramel Cherry Tomato Pops with Sesame Seeds Recipe

March 8, 2017  | Appetizer Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | appetizer | caramel | cherry tomato | sesame 
Prep Time Cook Time Serves
20m 10m 6-8

A fun little hors d’oeuvre for your next party. I love the look and taste of these tomato pops. Important to use the freshest and sweetest cherry tomatoes you can find.

This recipe has a slightly higher difficulty level as you are making and working with caramel. If you have never done this, I would encourage you to try it. It isn’t very difficult, just a matter of practice.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 dozen cherry tomatoes, stems removed, washed and dried
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (black and/or white variety), toasted

INSTRUCTIONS

Line a baking tray with a silicone mat and set aside. Prepare a water bath by filling a roasting tin halfway with water. Set aside.

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Leave the sugar to dissolve and then turn up the heat to medium-high. Allow the sugar syrup to simmer and bubble until you have a light golden caramel, it will take 7-10 minutes. Do not put any utensils in the pot to stir it (this will help with your clean up later). Some like to use sugar thermometers, but I don’t think it is necessary for this recipe. Just use your eyes – you will see when you have a light golden color.

Once your caramel is done, remove the pot from the heat and gently dip the bottom of the pot into the prepared water bath. This will stop the caramel from continuing to cook and color. Place the pot on a trivet.

Spear a toothpick into a tomato and dip halfway into the caramel then directly into the sesame seeds to coat. Place on the prepared baking tray. Repeat with the rest of the tomatoes, working quickly so you finish before the caramel hardens. Leave at room temperature.

COOK'S TIPS

I don’t usually include notes for how to clean up, but when making caramel, I thought it might be useful. Once finished with the caramel, fill the pot with water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer. The caramel will soften and the sugar will dissolve again into the water. Once you have only liquid in the pot, simply pour out into the sink and wash your pot. No more sticky caramel!

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