When picturing Mom's chicken, mac 'n' cheese, carrot cake and sorbet, one likely doesn't think of tahini. Amy Zitelman and Andrew Schloss, however, have filled a cookbook with 100 easy recipes illustrating how the two thoughts can coexist in delectable tastebud bliss. Tahini is roasted and pressed sesame seeds, and is far more than a key ingredient in hummus or a drizzle topping for falafel and shawarma. Tahini can replace egg, cheese, butter and oil in cooking recipes and serves as a much healthier alternative--the ancient superfood is rich in vitamins A, E, magnesium, iron, omega-6 fatty acids, proteins and calcium. Paleo food fans may rejoice in the knowledge that even in the 13th century, tahini was considered a staple food ingredient. Standouts include Cold Spicy Sesame Noodles, Cinnamon Babka French Toast and the Giant Chocolate Jumbles. This is a mind-opening and mouth-opening-wide experience. --Paul Dinh-McCrillis, freelance reviewer