This is a rich and unctuous traditional Kastellorizean sweet which uses the simplest of ingredients – normally offered to visiting newlyweds, but also quite a decadent sweet for morning coffee or to follow lunch.  Our grandmother Fani made a great version – always cooked to a lovely deep brown which requires technique and patience.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups hot water
• 500 gm butter
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• Sugar
• Freshly ground cloves

Method:

• Combine sugar and water and heat gently until sugar is dissolved
• Place butter in a large frying pan and cook until melted, taking care not to burn
• Add flour and stir to combine with butter
• Continue to cook over gentle heat, stirring constantly, until the colour passes from golden, to light brown
• Add syrup all at once and stir to combine.  Continue cooking until the mixture turns to a deep brown – do not be tempted to take off too early – see all the below photos that show then progression of the mixture colouring to the right colour after the syrup has been added
• Let cool a little, then use a dessertspoon to shape – like a quenelle
• Sprinkle generously with the sugar and cloves mixed together
• Can be served with a little fresh orange, or as a dessert such as with poached quince and ice cream as shown above, or in any way your imagination takes you