Basbusa

Part One; Syrup

(Can be done up to a day in advance)

Step One 

Stir the sugar and water together in a saucepan (don't use non-stick for this)

Step Two 

Place the pan on a high heat until the sugary water turns clear

Boil for 5 minutes without stiring

Step Three

Add the lemon juice and boil for another 30 seconds

Step Four

Take the syrup off the stove, stir in the orange blossom water 

Step Five

Decant into a heat proof container, and put straight into the fridge to cool for at least half an hour before continuing 

Part Two

Preheat the oven to 170°C 

Step One

Combine all the dry ingredients except the blanched almonds in a bowl

Step Two

Using your hands, knead in the butter, yoghurt and milk to form a firm, sticky dough

Step Three

Transfer the dough into a 15x20cm roasting or cake tin

Using wet hands flatten and press it down so it fills the dish

Step Four 

Cut the dough into 12 pieces using a wet knife

Place an almond on the top of each piece

Bake Five 

Bake for 40 minutes, until browned

Step Six

As soon as the cake comes out the oven, pour half of the cold syrup over the hot cake. Let it soak in, and the pour on the second half 

Step Seven

Allow to cool fully so that the cake can firm up before eating