Semolina Orange Cake

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1. 1Step 1: Start with the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, semolina, almond (or any other) mill, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon and salt, mix well.
2. 2Step 2: Add orange zest and melted butter and mix again to distribute the fat equally.
3. 3Step 3: Then add vanilla paste, milk and freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1/2 cup). Mix again.
4. 4Step 4: Use an 8'' cake pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and transfer to a warm oven at 375° F for 30-40 minutes.
5. 5Step 5: In a small saucepan over medium heat combine sugar and water and bring to a simmer while mixing well.
6. 6Step 6: When sugar is completely dissolved into water and small bubbles surface add lemon juice.
7. 7Step 7: Continue on medium heat and notice the syrup become slightly sticky. Check texture by holding one drop of the syrup between two fingers and see if a thin string will form when separating them.
8. 8Step 8: Turn off heat to add brandy and rose water/rose extract.
9. 9Step 9: After the 30-40 minutes, take out the cake of the oven and cut half way down to equal-sized pieces.
10. 10Step 10: Apply syrup with a baking brush all over the cake (and especially the edges, it'll get them a little crunchy and extra sweet).
11. 11Step 11: Put back in the oven for 5 more minutes.