Maamoul Madd with Ashta (Cream)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups coarse semolina
• 1 1/2 cups fine semolina
• 1 1/2 cups ghee (or 1 cup ghee + 1/2 cup butter)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 medium tablespoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons powdered milk
• 4 tablespoons rose water
• 4 tablespoons orange blossom water
• Ashta (Cream):
• 7 cups water
• 3 cups powdered milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
• From the Arab kitchen, try the best kunafa at the link: Kunafa with Mozzarella Cheese
• To make the lemon-blossom substitute Alisar uses to decorate the maamoul madd with ashta, see the link: Lemon blossom substitute for decorating Arabic sweets

Method

1. Mix the dry ingredients. Add the ghee and rub well, then add the orange blossom water and rose water and knead into a dough.
2. Let the dough rest for about two hours so the semolina absorbs the ghee.
3. After that time divide the dough into two equal parts. Line a Pyrex dish with plastic wrap and spread the first half of the dough over it.
4. Lift the dough from the Pyrex using the plastic wrap and set it aside.
5. Spread the second half of the dough on the Pyrex (or the same dish used for the first layer).
6. Evenly spread the ashta over this layer and leave it a little so the surface dries and forms a thin crust — this makes it easier to roll the top dough layer over it.
7. Flip the dough you set aside (with the plastic wrap) over the ashta, pressing lightly to level the surface.
8. Remove the plastic wrap carefully, then place the Pyrex or dish in a hot oven so the bottom of the dough turns golden. Turn on the top heating as well so the top colors.
9. Let the maamoul madd with ashta cool completely before slicing.
10. Decorate the maamoul madd with lemon blossom or the substitute and serve.
11. Mix all the ingredients except the orange blossom water while cold, then put the pot on the stove and stir continuously.
12. After it comes to a boil let the cream thicken, then add the orange blossom water, stir, and remove from the heat.