Coconut Halva (basbousa)

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 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
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Recipe

• 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 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 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 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.