Place 1/2 cup of sesame seeds in a heavy skillet, cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until lightly browned. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and toasted seeds in a large mixing bowl, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add milk, stir well. Turn dough out on a floured surface, knead lightly 10 - 12 times. Roll dough to 1/2" thickness, cut with a 2" biscuit cutter. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over biscuit tops, pressing in slightly. Place on ungreased baking sheet, bake at 450ºF.   for 12 - 15 minutes. Yield about 1 /12 dozen