12oz (about 2 ½ cups) of raw sesame seeds
1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Toasted sesame seeds: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place sesame seeds on a cookie sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes stirring often. Cool for 15 minutes.

1. Place sesame seeds into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
2. Select variable 1.
3. T urn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable10, then high.
4. Blend for 1 minute using the tamper to press the mixture into the blades.
5. Remove the lid plug and add olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture is smooth and has the consistency of a thick liquid.

Food Tip: Be sure not to overcook the seeds because the tahini will taste burnt. They will not be brown when they are done. You will barely see a color change.

Time Tip: Use foil on your cookie sheet. Once the seeds are cooled you can lift the sides of the foil and form a tube. Lift the foil and pour directly into the Vitamix container. I have tried pouring the seeds into the container directly from the cookie sheet only to have lots of them all over my counter. Using a spoon takes a long time because the seeds are so small and smooth.

Money Tip: Sesame seeds bought in bulk costs about $1/lb. One 16oz jar of tahini can cost anywhere from $6 to $12!