Toasting the seeds

Cup of Yum
1. Note: the following steps are only for non-roasted, raw seeds. If yours come roasted, just dry fry for a couple of seconds to wake up the aroma.
2. Slowly toast the seeds in a dry pan (without oil) on LOW heat if using a gas fire and medium-low for an induction stove.
3. Stir continuously (or shake the pan) for 5- 12 minutes till you smell the toasted, warm aroma of sesame. (You don't want the seeds to burn or they'll taste super bitter! If you're in a rush and use medium heat, don't stir-fry for more than 2-3 minutes.)
4. How to tell when the seeds are toasted They're bigger (Raw, they're flatter.)They have lightened slightly and turned grey.They're more fragile and easier to crush.You may hear some seeds pop when they're "done" but, even if you don't, I recommend switching off the fire once you smell the sesame to prevent over-toasting. (If so, add more sugar to help cover the bitterness.)

Blending the seeds

1. You may want to let your seeds cool slightly before blending with the sesame oil. If not, you'll (literally) see them smoking in the blender after blitzing for just a bit! Tip: don't let it cool in the pan as the heat from the pan will continue heating the seeds and may burn them.
2. Add the sesame oil now as most blenders need some help to get going and the oil helps the seeds that fly up to the top slide back down to the blade! (If using a food processor, coffee grinder or spice grinder, you don't need to add the oil now. See "Equipment" in above post for more details.)
3. Blend in intervals of 5-10 seconds, allowing your motor to rest in between to prevent overheating. (Use the time to scrape down the sides. The seeds will fly all the way up to stick to the top of the cover.)
4. Optional: you may want to blend in a pinch of salt to enhance the nutty flavor.
5. You know the black sesame paste is done when it changes from a grey gritty powder to a glossy and shiny jet black puree.Note: Don't worry about grinding till silky smooth. You can if you want, but a lot of Asian desserts use black sesame paste with some grittiness to it.
6. If making sweet black sesame paste: stir in the honey or syrup, to taste. You will need minimum 1 Tablespoon of honey to ½ Cup of black sesame seeds and I'd say no more than 3 Tablespoons without it becoming too sweet!