1 c Benne (sesame) seeds 1/4 ts Salt
1 1/2 c Brown sugar, packed 3/4 c Butter or margarine, melted
1 c All-purpose flour 1 Egg
1/4 ts Baking powder 1 ts Vanilla
Known as sesame seeds in most of the country, “benne” is the name
southerners learned to call these seeds, which were brought from Africa by
slaves. Toasting benne seeds develop their flavor and also gives these
cookies a slightly crunchy texture.
Heat oven to 375?. Toast benne seeds on ungreased baking sheet until light
brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. Drop dough by 1/2 teaspoonfuls 1 1/2
inches apart onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 375? until light brown,
about 4-6 minutes. Cool about 2 minutes before removing from baking sheets
to wire rack to cool completely. Store in tightly covered cookie tin when
thoroughly cooled.
Yield: about 6 dozen. Pat Thomas, retired food editor, Yakima WA
Randy Shearer
Yields
1 servings