Coconut Halva

Ingredients

 * 1) 1/2 cup unsalted butter
 * 2) 3/4 cup sugar or turbinado sugar
 * 3) 1/2 cup unbleached flour
 * 4) 1 1/4 cups semolina
 * 5) 1 1/2 cups coconut, grated
 * 6) 3/4 cup milk or almond milk
 * 7) 1 teaspoon baking powder
 * 8) 1 teaspoon almond extract
 * 9) handful whole almonds, to decorate

Directions
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.