| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Toasting benne seeds develop their flavor and also gives these cookies a slightly crunchy texture. |
| 3 | heat oven to 375? |
| 4 | Toast benne seeds on ungreased baking sheet until light brown, 10 to 12 minutes. |
| 5 | Watch closely so they don"t burn. |
| 6 | in a large bowl, mix all ingredients. |
| 7 | Drop dough by ?teaspoonfuls 1 ?inches apart onto greased baking sheet. |
| 8 | Bake at 375?until light brown, about 4-6 minutes. |
| 9 | Cool about 2 minutes before removing from baking sheets to wire rack to cool completely. |
| 10 | Store in tightly covered cookie tin when thoroughly cooled. |
| 11 | yield: about 6 dozen. |
| 12 | Pat thomas, retired food editor, yakima wa |
| 13 | randy shearer |
