FOOD FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA

This is the last recipe of Collection #1 " Food from the Mediterranean Area".
We finish with a classic Middle East dessert, very simple  and sweet enough.
Thank you for following this collection.
Coming soon : Collection # 2 " Food from Europe "

TRIPOLI - LIBYA

Basbousa - Semolina Cakes with Syrup

• Syrup Ingredients
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• juice from 1 lemon (or 2 tablespoons orange juice)
• 1 teaspoon honey(optional)

• ------------------------------------
• Cake Ingredients
• 2 cups semolina
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 eggs
• blanched split almonds ( optional, can be substitute at your choice )
• whipped cream (optional)

Preparation:

Prepare syrup first.

 Dissolve sugar in water in a medium saucepan. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil. Once the syrup begins to boil, add in honey. Reduce heat and allow to slowly boil for about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour a 9x12 baking dish.

Cream together butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, combine semolina, baking powder, and baking soda. Slowly add to butter and egg mixture. Stir in milk.

Pour mixture into baking dish and smooth with spoon.

Take a butter knife and make diagonal lines from left to right and complete to make diamond shapes. Place an almond in the center of each diamond. ( Optional )

 Bake for 25 minutes.

Remove cake from oven and pour syrup over cake until no more can be absorbed. Allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream ( optional )