Coconut Halva (Basbousa) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar or 3/4 cup turbinado sugar
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1 1/4 cups semolina
1 1/2 cups coconut, shredded
3/4 cup milk or 3/4 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon almond extract
handful whole almond, to decorate
Simple Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Preparation

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.
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.
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.
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.