Fragrant Rosewater & Orange Blossom Semolina Cake - Middle Eastern Dessert - Taste Of Cook

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons rosewater (not rose extract)
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (not orange blossom extract)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 1/2 cups semolina flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon tahini paste (for greasing baking dish)
• 20 blanched almonds (see notes for blanching method)
• Fresh fruit, for serving (optional)