Baraazak: Syrian and Lebanon: Sesame Cookies:

Makes about 40 cookies.

A specialty of Damascus, barazak have been peddled in the streets of that city for centuries. You will be captivated by their taste.

3/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups wheat hearts or semolina
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Place sesame seeds, honey, and pistachios in separate bowls and set aside.

Place eggs, butter, and sugar in a food processor and process into paste. Transfer to a mixing bowl; then add flour, wheat hearts or semolina, baking powder, and salt. Knead into a dough, adding a little water if necessary.

Form into spheres the size of golf balls. Dip balls, one at a time, into the pistachios and flatten with fingers on a greased baking sheet. Continue until all the balls are used; then brush each cookie with honey and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown. remove and allow to cool before serving.