Serves 6

Try either a sweet or savory sauce for dipping.

4 tablespoons sesame seeds, plus extra for coating

½ cup flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

Fresh-cracked black pepper, to taste

2 egg whites

2 egg yolks

3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

¼ cup fontina cheese, grated

Olive oil for frying

• Preheat oven to 350°.

• Spread the 4 tablespoons of sesame seeds on a baking pan and toast lightly, about 5 minutes.

• Combine the flour, powder, and pepper. Beat the egg whites until stiff. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and mix in the grated cheeses and toasted seeds. Combine the yolk and flour mixture, then fold it into the whites.

• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Form the cheese mixture into balls by rounded spoonfuls, or pipe with a pastry bag; coat the balls with sesame seeds. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

• Fry in 1 inch of olive oil until golden; drain on a rack covered with paper towels. Serve with a sauce of your choice.