Countdown to Christmas.... 15 more sleeps!

Here's a favourite sweet recipe, often made by my husband, for you to try out.
Will serve as something special to have on hand for unexpected guests or a yummy gift idea!

Mat's Semolina Squares

This is the traditional version (which has a sweet spices flavour).
A variation (chocolate!) will follow at the end.

Ingredients:
6 tbsp pure ghee (or butter)
3 whole cloves
3 whole cardamoms
8 tbsp coarse semolina
1/2 tsp saffron
1/2 cup sultanas
10 tbsp sugar
1 and 1/4 cups water
1 and 1/4 cups milk

* Place the ghee in a saucepan and melt over medium heat.

* Add the cloves and cardamoms to the melted butter and reduce the heat, stirring to mix.

* Add the semolina to the mixture in the pan and stir-fry until it turns a little darker.

* Add the saffron, sultanas and the sugar to the semolina mixture, stirring to mix well.

* Pour in the water and milk and stir-fry the mixture continuously until the semolina has softened. Add a little more water if required.

* Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the semolina to a shallow serving dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. If you wish, you can sprinkle 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut over the top.

* Leave the semolina to cool down and then put in the fridge for about an hour. When set, cut into squares, then triangles and devour!

STORE IN THE FRIDGE AND EAT THAT DAY OR NEXT... IF YOU CAN WAIT THAT LONG!

CHOCOLATE VARIATION:

* Follow the same recipe as above, except:
- replace cloves and cardamom with 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and 1 - 2 tbsp cocoa powder (adding these at the same time)
- also get rid of the saffron and sultanas

Got a favourite Christmas recipe to share? Link to it here!