Semolina Cake

 

Recipe By     : Recipes from a Greek Island

Serving Size  : 12   Preparation Time :1:00

Categories    : Dessert

 

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

     1/2  C             All-Purpose Flour

     1/2  Tsp           Baking Powder

   1 1/3  C             FarinaŽ (Cream Of Wheat)

   4      Large         Eggs -- separated

     1/2  C             Sugar

     1/2  C             Olive Oil

   2                    Lemon Zest -- finely grated

     1/2  Tsp           Almond Extract

     1/2  C             Orange Juice

   1      Tsp           Vinegar - For The Bowl

          Tsp           Cream Of Tartar - 1/16 Tsp

     1/2  C             Blanched Almonds -- slivered

                        Syrup

     3/4  C             Sugar

   2                    Lemons -- juiced & zest

     1/4  Tsp           Almond Extract

 

Make the syrup ahead.  Combine the sugar, lemon zest and juice, and 1 1/2 cups water in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes then add the almond extract.  Remove and chill overnight.  Line a 10 inch-square cake pan, that is at least 3 inches deep, with baking parchment.  Sift together the flour and baking powder, then stir in the semolina.  Beat the egg yolks, sugar, olive oil, lemon zest, and almond extract together until pale and creamy.  Beat in the flour mixture, splashing with orange juice to moisten it.

 

Wipe a mixing bowl with a cloth moistened with vinegar, then put in the egg whites.  Beat with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, then fold into the batter.  Pour into the pan and sprinkle with the almonds.

 

Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. for about 45 minutes until golden brown (see note).  Remove from the oven and, while still hot, cut into squares.  Slowly pour the chilled syrup over it.

 

Note: If using a 9x12 in. pan, the cake will be much thinner and will take only about 20 mintues to bake.

 

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