Basboosa (Sooji Cake-Arabian) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

SYRUP
16 ounces white sugar
12 ounces water
2 limes, zest of
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon rose water or 1/2 teaspoon rose essence
CAKE
3 cups semolina
8 ounces plain white flour
1 1/2 cups milk (use the juice of the 3 limes into the milk and make into yogurt about an hour ahead of baking time)
16 tablespoons softened butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup dried coconut flakes
8 ounces white sugar
3 eggs
whole almond (for garnishing)

Preparation

prepare the syrup and set aside to cool. place all ingredients into the pot except the rose essence on a low heat and bring to a boil. do not let it become overly thick but slightly so. when the syrup is almost completed, then put the essence into it and turn off heat and set aside.
place all dry ingredients in a huge mixing bowl and mix in the butter with it.
add eggs and yogurt and mix until everything is well incorporated.
place in a 9\" by 13\" baking dish and put in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25 - 30 minutes or until knife comes out clean.
remove from oven and cut into small squares,place an almond on each square and place in oven again for 5 - 10 minutes.
remove from oven and pour syrup all over cake and leave to cool. make certain that most of the syrup, if not all is used. the syrup is what gives the best tatste.