Byrd Cookie Company’s Ossabaw Gift Tins: Benne Wafers

Benne Wafers, small not-too-sweet cookies made from the honey-colored benne seed, are fabled to bring health and good luck. Benne seeds are indigenous to Africa and were brought to America by African slaves. Benne is the African word for sesame, a versatile seed that can be used the same way as nuts. The seed has a nutty, sweet aroma with a milk-like, buttery taste. When toasted, its flavor intensifies, yielding an almost almond like flavor.