SFOUF

Sfouf is a moist yellow cake flavored from the anise and the turmeric spice which give it this yellowish colour without the sting of the spice, it has this amazing and distinguished taste that's why it is one of my favourite Lebanese dessert.

Sfouf means rows in Arabic that's why it is cut into square or diamond shape pieces and served in rows. It is very easy to prepare and in less then an hour you will have this spongy delicious light cake ready with a thick melting taste in your mouth you won't forget.

Prep. time: 15 mins

Cooking time: 35 mins

Serves: 10

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup milk

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup oil

3 tbsp. orange blossom water (ma' zaher)

3 tbsp. rose water (ma' wared)

1 tbsp. pounded anise

1 tsp. turmeric

2 1/2 to 3 cups of flour

2 heaped tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup sesame or as needed

Preparation: Pour the milk in a a large bowl, add the sugar, the oil, the orange blossom water and the rose water then blend all the ingredients. Now mix the flour, the anise, the turmeric and the baking powder in a separate bowl then add them to the liquid mixture and mix well using a hand whisk or an electric one until you have a batter.

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F (180 to 190 C), grease and flour a rectangular baking pan around 20 x 25 cm. or 8 x 10 in. Pour the batter in the pan then sprinkle the sesame seeds all over the top. Bake it for 30 to 35 mins in preheated oven, then few mins from the top or until golden. Let it cool for 25 mins then cut into the shape you like and enjoy it with your cup of coffee or tea.