1 c Benne (sesame) seeds
1 1/2 c Brown sugar, packed
1 c All-purpose flour
1/4 ts Baking powder
1/4 ts Salt
3/4 c Butter or margarine, melted
1 Egg
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