Derived from the Arabic word halwa, which means sweet confection, halvah’s centuries-old origins are widely debated, but its use is now spread across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the subcontinent. In each new locale, its name and ingredients changed slightly, winning over new fans across boundaries. Whatever its origins, we know it as an ancient treat of ground sesame seeds, honey and pistachios made by the same company in Thesaloniki, Greece for over 90 years. And it’s great with cheese!