Honey-Sesame Cookies

In Roman times, guests were given honey-sesame cookies so the new year would be filled with sweetness. Today we often find these cookies with a teaspoon of vanilla or anise extract added, so you may choose to do that if you wish. The cookies can also be shaped into logs rather than balls.

Ingredients:

(Makes 48 cookies)

• 2-1/2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1/2 cup honey

• 2 eggs

• About 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

2. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, combine butter, honey and eggs with an electric mixer until well combined.

4. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.

5. Cover and chill the dough about 1 hour or until firm.

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

7. Grease 2 baking sheets.

8. Form chilled dough into 1-inch balls.

9. Roll the balls in a small bowl of milk then roll them in the sesame seeds.

10. Place balls on prepared baking sheets.

11. Flatten each ball slightly

12. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.

13. Remove cookies from baking sheets and cool on a wire rack..