Basbousa

This lovely dessert is easy to make and totally irresistible! It is very common in Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and goes by many names (Basbousah, Hareesa, Revani, Ravani). I only came across it recently when the home economics teacher bought some into the teacher's room for everyone to try. I made sure I had more than my share on that day  :)( as I said, it is irresistible!)

Ingredients

My first attempt at Basbousa

2  1/2 dl semolina
1  1/4 dl coconut flakes 
1  1/4 dl sugar
3/4 dl plain flour
1 dl thick yoghurt
100g butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla sugar
12-15 almonds
milk, if needed

Syrup

1  3/4 dl sugar
1  1/4 dl water
1 tsp lemon juice

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 180C
Melt the butter in a bowl in the microwave oven
Mix the semolina, coconut, sugar, flour, yoghurt, melted butter and vanilla sugar in a bowl. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little milk -but it should still be fairly stiff.
Spread the mixture in to a greased 15x12x5 cm or round baking tray. The surface should be smooth.
With a knife, cut the cake into diamond or square shapes, pressing hard. Place an almond onto each piece.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, make the syrup.

Place the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes without stirring. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from the heat.Leave to cool.Pour the syrup over the cake while the cake is still hot. Cool to serve.