Chinese Sesame Cookie Balls


Generally, I am not a huge dessert or sweets person.  I like sweets that aren't too sweet, so that makes me a fan of dark chocolate, fruit tarts with lots of crust and the new thin Oreos.  I never crave sugar, but I do crave salt.  My mom is also a fan of sweets that are not too sweet and most things sesame.  So, for Chinese New Year, I made some traditional sesame cookies for my mom.  

1 ½ cups cake flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp hot water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 egg
½ cup white sesame seeds
canola or rice bran oil for frying


In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and soda and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together hot water and sugar until sugar is dissolved.  Then whisk in oil and then the egg.  
Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture. 
Knead the dough gently until it just comes together.  It will be quite wet and sticky.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or so until chilled.


Fill a large bowl with cold water, another small bowl with ice water and place the sesame seeds into another bowl.
Pull a small piece of dough and roll it between your hands to form a ¾" ball.  Repeat until you've used all the dough.  Dip your hands in the water bowl periodically to help keep the dough from sticking to your hands.


Roll the balls in the sesame seeds to coat.  If the dough is dry, dip them into a bowl of ice water then roll in the sesame seeds. I do these a few at a time until finished.


Fill a medium saucepan with the oil, deep enough to float the balls, about 2" deep.
Heat the oil over medium until it reaches 325 degrees.  
Fry the sesame balls, many at a time.  I drop in enough to not crowd the pan and.  
Flip and roll the balls around occasionally until they are lightly golden.  They will cook quickly.
Drain on a pan lined with paper towels.  Repeat.

Got a good review from my mom, but she may be just doing the nice motherly thing.  I liked them because they are not too sweet and I love the sesame taste.

Comments

  1. Mary, I am loving these latest posts. I always look forward to your recipes and stories about Chinese New Year. Really, you are such a great cook and I love this blog so much!

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