Namora (Semolina Cake - Baklava)

Namora is a semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup that is often found on baklava platters.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Yields: 24 pieces

Ingredients

• 1  cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1  cup sugar
• 3  teaspoons coconut
• 3  cups fine semolina
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
•  blanched almond, split
• 3  cups sugar (for syrup)
• 1  lemon, juice of
• 2  cups water (for syrup)

Directions

1. Cream the butter and one cup sugar. Stir in a 1/2 cup water.
2. Sift together the semolina, baking powder, and stir into the butter mixture to form a smooth batter.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
4. Lightly grease an 8-by-12-inch cake pan and pour in the batter. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon and then score across the top of the cake. Place an almond in the center of each diamond.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, when the cake should be firm and lightly browned.
6. Combine three cups sugar, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Cool.
7. Pour cooled syrup, spoonfuls at a time, over the hot cake. Stop when the cake will not absorb any more and set the cake aside to cool before serving.