Sponge Dessert

Sample Dishes from Turkish Cuisine

Sponge Dessert (Sünger Tatlısı)

Preparation

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Boil gently for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice; stir. Boil for 1 minute. Set aside. Beat whites in a mixing bowl until very stiff. Fold in yolks, blending gently. Add semolina and rice flour folding until completely blended. Drop on lightly greased baking sheet about 1 1/2 teaspoonful of batter 5 cm (inch) apart. Bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes or until light golden. Remove from oven. Transfer pastries into a large pan. Pour syrup over. Cover and simmer over very low heat until syrup is absorbed. Arrange in a serving dish. Cool and sprinkle with crushed nuts or slivered almonds before servina.

Servings: 8

Nutritional Value
(in approximately one serving)

Regional Characteristics:

Small pastries absorb syrup like sponge and are swollen. That is why this dessert is called "Sponge Dessert".