Halvas

Ingredients:

• 1 teacup olive oil
• 2 teacups coarse semolina
• 3 teacups sugar
• 4 teacups water
• 1/2 teacup chopped and roasted almonds

• 1/2 teacup blond raisins
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• some lemon peel (2-3 pieces)

In a medium saucepan add water, the cinnamon, the lemon peel and sugar to simmer over medium heat until the sugar melts. In a larger pot, add the olive oil and the semolina and stir continuously for about 5-10 minutes, until the semolina begins to darken. Then add the almonds and the raisins and mix well. Remove both pans from heat and slowly add the syrup to the mix with the semolina. Replace the pot on the fire and stir the mixture for 1 minute, until it thickens. Remove the cinnamon sticks and the lemon peel. Put the mixture into a form or form individual portions in separate bowls, using a large spoon. When the mixture is cool remove from the form and sprinkle with cinnamon.