Middle Eastern Semolina Cake

Instructions

1. Step
   In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes or until syrup is reduced by about half. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and orange blossom water or grated orange zest; set aside.
2. Step
   Grease a 13 x 9 inch (3 L) baking pan and line bottom with parchment paper; set aside. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Step
   In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, baking powder, and soda; set aside for 10 minutes or until doubled in volume.
4. Step
   Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine semolina, sugar, and butter. Use your hands to rub the butter into the semolina mixture. Add yogurt mixture and continue to mix thoroughly with your hands.
5. Step
   Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. If mixture feels sticky, spray hands with cooking spray.
6. Step
   Using a chef's knife, make lengthwise cuts down batter and then make diagonal cuts crosswise to create a diamond shape. Top each diamond with an almond.
7. Step
   Bake in prepared oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and slowly pour Orange Blossom Water Syrup all over the cake. Let cool completely.