Originating in Persia and the Middle East, roses were cultivated not ... In India, Rooh Afza, a rose-flavoured syrup, became a refreshing summer staple. During the 19th-century cocktail boom ...

This semolina cake, popular across the Middle East ... lemon juice, rose water and almonds. Set aside to cool. 4. Remove the basbousa from the oven and cover with the cooled syrup.

Rose syrup is available in most large supermarkets with an Asian food section and in South Asian and Middle Eastern food shops. To make the shortbread, grease and line a 20cm/8in square baking tin ...