Sesame Pizzelles

I got to use this nifty gadget recently. It's a Pizzelle Iron. It must be 15 years old but it I like its pretty patterns. Different pizzelle makers make other dainty patterns. You don't have to get the most expensive one. The inexpensive versions will work too. I use one made by Magic Maid. It makes crispy pizzelles similar to belgian waffles but thinner and lighter. Pizzelle is one of the oldest Italian cookies. Adding sesame seeds gives it a nutty flavor.

This recipe is quoted verbatim from http://www.mangiabenepasta.com/pizzelle.html.

There are several pizzelle recipes but I used the simpliest one with butter in it. My only modification is adding 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds.

Here's the recipe:

Sesame Pizzelles

3 eggs, room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon triple sec (you can substitute another liqueur or extract)

1-3/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons sesame seeds

2 teaspoons baking powder

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar. Add the butter, vanilla, and triple sec. Add the flour and baking powder and mix well. The batter should be stiff enough to be dropped by spoon. Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of the batter on each grid pattern. You will find that by placing the batter slightly behind the center of the pattern, your pizzelles will come out closer to a round shape. Close the baker and clamp the handles together. Baking will take 30-40 seconds, depending on how brown you like them and the consistency of the batter. Remove the pizzelles from the grid with a fork or spatula. Place on a paper towel to cool. If you wish to shape your pizzelles, do so by removing one from the grid and immediately shaping it while still warm.