Makroud (Makrout) Recipe (Algerian Fried Semolina Pastry)

Ingredients

• 4 cups medium-grain semolina
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/3 cup warm water, or as needed
• 1 tablespoon orange flower water, for the dough
• 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar, for the dough
• 4 cups finely ground almonds
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar, for the filling
• 2 pinches ground cinnamon
• 1 dash almond extract
• 1 jar (12 oz) honey
• 3 tablespoons orange flower water, for the syrup
• 2 cups oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, to garnish