Cheese Filled Jerusalem Kodafa With Syrup

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 1/2 cups couscous
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup butter, cut in small pieces
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 7 ounces cheese, grated (such as mozzarella or monterey jack)
• 1 1/2 cups clear honey
• 2 -3 pinches saffron threads (cinnamon may be substituted)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon orange flower water (lemon juice may be substituted)
• 6 tablespoons chopped shelled pistachios

Recipe

• 1 put the couscous in a large bowl and pour over the boiling water.
• 2 stir together with a fork, then leave to soak for about 30 minutes, till the water has been completely absorbed.
• 3 when the couscous is cool enough to handle, break up all the lumps with your fingers.
• 4 stir the butter into the couscous, then stir in the beaten egg and salt.
• 5 preheat the oven to 400°. spread half the couscous into a 10-12 inch springform pan.
• 6 in a bowl, combine the cheeses and 2 t of the honey.
• 7 spread the cheese mixture on top of the couscous, then top with remaining couscous.
• 8 press down gently and then bake in the oven 10-15 minutes.
• 9 put the remaining honey, saffron threads or cinnamon and the water in a pan.
• 10 bring to a boil, then boil for 5-7 minutes, till the liquid forms a syrup.
• 11 remove from the heat and stir in the orange flower water or lemon juice.
• 12 after the kodafa is baked, place under the broiler and cook till lightly browned on top and a golden crust is formed.
• 13 sprinkle pistachio nuts on top of the kodafa.
• 14 serve warm, cut into wedges, with the syrup poured over it.