Basbousa Bil Laban Zabadi (Basbousa with Yogurt)

• 1 c Sugar
• 1/3 c Water
• 1/2 Lemon (juice only)
• 1/2 lb Unsalted butter
• 1/3 c Blanched almonds
• 1/2 c Yogurt
• 3/4 c Sugar
• 1 c Semolina
• 1 ts Baking powder
• Few drops vanilla extract
• Whipped cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Make a thick syrup by boiling the sugar, water and lemon juice together and simmering until it thickens.

2. 2

   Allow to cool and chill.

3. 3

   Melt half of the unsalted butter.

4. 4

   Toast the blanched almonds and chop them finely.

5. 5

   Beat the yogurt with the sugar in a large mixing bowl.

6. 6

   Add melted butter and all remaining ingredients except the cream, and beat well until thoroughly mixed.

7. 7

   Pour into a large rectangular buttered baking tray and bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 min. Pour the cold syrup immediately over the hot basbousa as soon as it comes out of the oven.

8. 8

   Cut into lozenge shapes and return to the oven for 3 more minutes.

9. 9

   Serve soused with other half of butter, melted, and spread with whipped cream.