When we lived in Turkey we used to buy Simits from street vendors that would carry a huge stack of them on a pole. They are kind of a mix between a sesame bagel and soft pretzel only better.
I've been talking about making them for years and finally, today, I did.
They are kind of labor intensive and, to be honest, I don't think I'll try them again. My version didn't taste as good as I remember them tasting.
It's a basic bread recipe. I used a recipe from here (scroll down to see the recipe) after doing some research (i.e. Googling) and seeing that most recipes were very similar.
You knead the dough and then let it rise for a couple of hours. Then knead it again and divide it into eight equal pieces. Let them rise. Then roll it into long logs, twist and form into circles. Let them rise. Then you dip them in a water/molassas mixture and then dredge them in sesame seeds. Let them rise again.
It's all day process.
Personally I think I'd rather just get on a plane and go to Turkey and buy an authentic one from an authentic street vendor.
There is a Turkish patisserie nearby. That might be a better/closer option.
OMG! Those look delicious! I could eat the whole pile of them. Mmm!
I am wondering if it is the sesame seeds or the molasses that is different in Turkey that makes you remember them so much better. Perhaps the water had a better/different taste? Or was it just the memory itself? Please let us know if the Turkey patisserie made the difference!