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 Make a thick syrup by boiling the sugar, water and lemon juice together and simmering until it thickens. Allow to cool and chill. Melt half of the unsalted butter. Toast the blanched almonds and chop them finely. Beat the yogurt with the sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add melted butter and all remaining ingredients except the cream, and beat well until thoroughly mixed. 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. Cut into lozenge shapes and return to the oven for 3 more minutes. Serve soused with other half of butter, melted, and spread with whipped cream. Posted by DEBORAH AKYUREK, Prodigy ID# DNJS60B.