Benne Cakes

Introduction

History

The history of Benne cakes is deeply rooted in African culinary traditions, where sesame seeds (known as "benne" in certain West African languages) have been valued for centuries for their flavor and nutritional benefits. Enslaved Africans brought sesame seeds with them to the United States, where the seeds and the recipes incorporating them became integral to Southern cuisine. Benne cakes, in particular, are believed to bring good luck and are often associated with the Gullah Geechee culture of the Carolina Lowcountry, where they have been made for generations.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Benne cakes turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding them to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor.

- Use a cookie scoop or a teaspoon to ensure uniform size and even baking.

- Keep a close eye on the cakes as they bake, as their thin profile means they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quite quickly.

- Allow the cakes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to move without breaking.

Serving Suggestions

Benne cakes are best enjoyed fresh and can be served as a sweet snack or dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in making Benne cakes is ensuring the sesame seeds are evenly toasted before incorporating them into the batter. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the finished cakes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If margarine is not available, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute.

- Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different flavor profile, though this may affect the texture slightly.

Make Ahead Tips

The batter for Benne cakes can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Benne cakes on a decorative plate or platter, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Benne cakes pair beautifully with a variety of beverages, including black tea, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine such as Sauternes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Benne cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Benne cakes contains approximately 100 calories, making them a relatively light treat when enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Benne cakes contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is the brown sugar and all-purpose flour used in the recipe.

Fats

Benne cakes are relatively low in fat, with each serving containing about 5 grams. The fats present come from the margarine and sesame seeds.

Proteins

Each serving of Benne cakes provides around 2 grams of protein, primarily from the sesame seeds and the egg.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame seeds, a key ingredient in Benne cakes, are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and zinc. However, the amounts present in each serving of the cakes are relatively small.

Alergens

The main allergens in Benne cakes include eggs, wheat (gluten), and sesame seeds. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this recipe.

Summary

Overall, Benne cakes are a moderately nutritious snack that can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. They offer a small amount of protein and beneficial minerals from the sesame seeds but are also a source of added sugars and allergens.

Summary

Benne cakes are a delightful treat with a rich cultural history. This recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy these traditional cookies, complete with tips for customization and serving suggestions. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these cakes are sure to impress with their unique flavor and crispy texture.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Benne Cakes. It was a hot summer day, and I had just returned home from a visit to my dear friend Clara's house. Clara was a wonderful cook, and she always had the most delicious recipes to share with me. On this particular day, she handed me a worn, stained piece of paper with the words "Benne Cakes" scrawled across the top in faded ink.

I eagerly took the recipe home and set to work in my kitchen, eager to try my hand at making these mysterious cakes. As I gathered the ingredients - sesame seeds, sugar, butter, flour - I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. Clara had mentioned that it had been passed down through her family for generations, but beyond that, the origins were a mystery.

As I mixed the ingredients together and formed the dough into small rounds, I thought about the history behind this recipe. Clara had told me that Benne Cakes were a traditional Southern treat, brought to America by West African slaves many years ago. The word "benne" came from the Bantu word for sesame, and these cakes were a way for the slaves to preserve their culinary heritage in a new land.

As I placed the cakes in the oven to bake, the sweet, nutty aroma filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of my own childhood. My mother had always been a talented cook, and she had passed down many recipes to me over the years. I remembered her teaching me how to make her famous apple pie, her secret ingredient always a pinch of cinnamon to add that special touch.

When the timer dinged, I eagerly opened the oven door to reveal a batch of golden-brown Benne Cakes, their sesame seeds glistening in the warm light. I couldn't resist taking a bite right away, savoring the crunch of the seeds and the buttery sweetness of the dough.

As I sat down to enjoy my freshly baked Benne Cakes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to all the women who had come before me, passing down their recipes and culinary traditions through the generations. I thought about the slaves who had first brought this recipe to America, and the resilience and creativity they had shown in adapting their native cuisine to a new environment.

In that moment, I realized that food was so much more than just sustenance - it was a way to connect with our past, to honor our ancestors, and to share our stories with future generations. And as I savored each bite of my Benne Cakes, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary legacy, to be passed down to my children and grandchildren in turn.

Categories

| Brown Sugar Recipes | Central African Desserts | Central African Recipes | Cookie Recipes | Sesame Seed Recipes | South African Desserts | South African Recipes | Vanilla Extract Recipes |

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