Sticky Rice Balls with Black Sesame Seed Filling

Place ground seeds in a sauce pan over medium to medium-low heat. Add 2 Tbsp. water, 1/2 tsp. salt, plus 1/3 cup brown or white sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and a thick, black sauce forms - like melted chocolate in consistency - about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and do a taste-test for sugar, adding up to 1/4 cup more sugar if not sweet enough (white sugar is sweeter than brown, so you won't need to use as much). Tips: The black sesame seed paste needs to be quite sweet in order to balance out the savory glutinous rice dough that will surround it. Also, don't worry if the paste is a little granular - this is desirable.

When you're happy with the sweetness of the paste, place it in the refrigerator to cool.