Coconut Halva (Basbousa)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar or turbinado sugar
• 1/2 cup unbleached flour
• 1 1/4 cups semolina
• 1 1/2 cups coconut, grated
• 3/4 cup milk or almond milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• handful whole almonds, to decorate

Simple Syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Prepare the simple syrup first by placing the sugar, water, and lemon juice into a pan, stirring to mix and bring to boil. Simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the syrup has thickened just a little. Stir in rosewater if using. Allow syrup to cool then chill.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan melt the butter. Add the sugar, flour, semolina, coconut, milk, baking powder and almond extract, mix thoroughly. Do not allow to burn.

3. 3

   Pour the mixture into a buttered 8" square baking pan, flatten the top and bake in oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden.

4. 4

   Remove halva from oven and cut diagonally so that you have diamond shaped portions. Prick the cake all over using a toothpick. Pour the chilled simple syrup evenly over the top and decorate with a whole almond on each diamond shaped piece. Serve hot or at room temperature.