Basbousa

Ingredients

 * ¾ cup butter
 * ¾ cup sugar
 * 1¼ cups buttermilk
 * 2 cups semolina
 * 1½ teaspoons vanilla
 * 1 tablespoon baking powder
 * 1½ teaspoons baking soda
 * sugar syrup
 * 1 cup sugar
 * 1 cup water
 * lemons, juice of

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 350°F.
 * 2) Melt butter, allow to cool to room temperature.
 * 3) Combine sugar and buttermilk in a large bowl.
 * 4) Combine the semolina, vanilla, baking powder and baking soda in a separate bowl.
 * 5) Add semolina mixture to buttermilk mixture, mix well, then add melted butter, and mix well.
 * 6) Spray an 11x7 inch pan with cooking spray, pour in the mixture; you may also use a 13x9 inch pan, and bake for 25 minutes instead of 30.
 * 7) Let sit for 20 minutes.
 * 8) Bake for 30 minutes, pour sugar syrup over it while still warm.
 * 9) This is usually served with tea or coffee.
 * 10) Combine sugar, water and juice of half a lemon in a saucepan.
 * 11) Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 – 25 minutes, mixture should thicken when it cools.