Molasses Cake: Sfouf Bi Debes

INGREDIENTS

5 cups flour

2cups grape molasses, known as grape “debes” in the middle eastern area

1 cup vegetable oil

½ cup powdered milk

4 tablespoons baking powder

3 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 teaspoon aniseed

tahini paste

Cooking method according to shahiya.com

1-Preheat the oven to medium heat.

2-In a saucepan, boil the aniseed in 2 cups of water. Drain, remove the aniseed grains and reserve the water.

3-Place the flour and oil in a bowl and mix well. Add in the milk and baking powder. Knead with your hands.

4-Gradually mix in the aniseed water and continue kneading until the dough becomes slightly soft.

5- Brush a baking tray with tahini paste and then spread the dough in it.

5-Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, until you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.

6-Then place the tray on the top rack for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool; then cut the sfouf into medium squares.

7- Serve cold.

 H.Zoghib