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.