Basbousa(بسبوسة)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups semolina
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

sugar syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• lemons, juice of

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

2. 2

   Melt butter, allow to cool to room temperature.

3. 3

   Combine sugar and buttermilk in a large bowl.

4. 4

   Combine the semolina, vanilla, baking powder and baking soda in a separate bowl.

5. 5

   Add semolina mixture to buttermilk mixture, mix well, then add melted butter, and mix well.

6. 6

   Spray an 11x7 inch pan with cooking spray, pour in the mixture; You may also use a 13x9 inch pan, and bake for 25 minutes instead of 30.

7. 7

   Let sit for 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Bake for 30 minutes, pour sugar syrup over it while still warm.

9. 9

   This is usually served with tea or coffee.

10. 10

    ------ Sugar Syrup ----------.

11. 11

    Combine sugar, water and juice of half a lemon in a saucepan.

12. 12

    Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes, mixture should thicken when it cools.