Sekerpare Turkish Semolina Cookies Recipes

Steps:

• 1. First, make the syrup. Grate the zest from lemon and set aside for later. Juice the lemon.
• 2. Combine 1 1/2 cup sugar and 2 cups water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in the lemon juice, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• 3. Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a cookie sheet (one with sides) with nonstick cooking spray.
• 4. Melt butter over low heat in a small saucepan.
• 5. Sift flour into a large mixing bowl and stir in semolina. Make a well in center of flour and pour in melted butter. Stir in eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, zest, oil anf baking powder.
• 6. Knead dough (in bowl) 5 minutes, until you have a soft, moist dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest 15 minutes.
• 7. Have a small bowl of water on hand. Knead dough again for 5 minutes. Wet your hands lightly with water and form the dough into 20 walnut sized balls.
• 8. Place on baking sheet, leaving some spave between balls for spreading. Gently press down top of each and and push an almond into the center of each.
• 9. Bake 20-25 minutes, until they start to brown slightly. Remove from oven and pour cooled syrup over cookie. Leave to cool and absorb syrup for 15 minutes.