lemon grass n sesame biscuits

Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) are tiny edible seeds of a plant of the Sesamum genus,

  both India and Africa. They are considered the oldest oilseed crop in the world and have been cultivated for more than 3,500 years. These seeds have a nutty flavor and they can be purchased either shelled or unshelled.

They are commonly added to salads as a topping for bread and grain products, crackers, sushi, cakes, soups, or as breading for fish and meat. Also, sesame oil, derived from the seeds, is a rich source of nutrients with both laxative and emollient properties.

Lemongrass is a fresh exotic herb that has long been used in folk for its unique aroma and mind-clearing benefits. It helps calm anxiety, irritability and insomnia. The perennial grass that is native to India and has a strong, lemony scent can be found in tea (made from dried or fresh lemongrass, as well as the bark and seeds), soups, sauces, marinades and even natural deodorant, as its antibacterial properties kill bacteria that causes odor.

A subtle sweetness of these cookies is contrasted by a nutty layer of lightly toasted

sesame seeds sealed to the cookies with some caramelized sugar.

Yields: Makes 38 small cookies

Ingredients:

1. ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
2. ¼ cup Sesame Seeds, toasted
3. 1½ cups Plain All-Purpose Flour, sifted
4. 2/3 cup Grated Palm Sugar
5. 125g Unsalted Butter, softened
6. 2 Egg Yolks
7. 4-inch stick Fresh Lemongrass, finely sliced
8. 2-3 tbsp Water
9. ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
10. ½ tsp Ground Cardamom
11. 1 tsp Ground Ginger
12. A pinch of Ground Clove
13. A pinch of Ground Nutmeg

Method of preparation:

1. Use an electric mixer to cream the sugar and butter. Add the egg yolks and the spices and mix until smooth. 

2. Add the lemongrass and the flour. Transfer the mixture onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.

3. Roll the dough into a ball and keep in the fridge for half an hour.

4. Preheat the oven at 320F. Line a baking tray with a piece of parchmen paper. 

5. Roll out the dough and cut out cookies using the molds you like 

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes 

7. Leave the cookies to cool.

8. In the meantime, add the sugar and water in a small saucepan and cook unti the sugar has become brown. 

9. Brush the cookies with this syrup.

 Sprinkle the cookies with the toasted

sesame seeds. Leave the cookies to cool.

10. Coat the cookies with the remaining sugar syrup and leave to set before

serving.