Categories: Cookies 
      Yield: 1 servings 
  
      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 375Ü. 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 375Ü 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