WHAT? Sesame seeds by another name. West African slaves introduced the seeds to America (along with okra, yams, and black-eyed peas), and the Nigerian name for them, "benne," stuck, at least in the American South. The Africans considered the seeds lucky. Today, benne wafers—thin cookies/crackers made with sesame seeds—are closely associated with Lowcountry cooking, a style of cooking centered in Charleston, South Carolina. And they're often served at Kwanza too.
WHERE? Savoring the South
WHEN? Saturday, December 12, 2015
HOW? Pimento Cheese on Benne Seed Crackers
