Instructions: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons butter and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Whisk in the semolina and cook, stirring, until the mixture is thick, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the eggs, one at a time. Return saucepan to heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 to 40 seconds, to cook the eggs. Remove custard from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 sticks butter with the oil; use some of this mixture to brush an 8-inch round nonstick springform baking pan. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon.

Stack phyllo on a work surface and cover with parchment paper then with a damp kitchen towel. Working with one sheet of phyllo at a time, place one of the corners into the center of the pan and gently press the dough so that it fits tightly into the pan. Lay the corner of a second sheet of phyllo into the center of the pan, slightly overlapping the first sheet of phyllo. Press the second sheet tightly into the pan. Lay a third sheet of phyllo in the same manner, covering the remainder of the pan (one layer of dough is now completed). Using a pastry brush, brush the phyllo with a generous amount of the butter mixture. Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Place three more sheets of phyllo into the pan in the same manner, brushing with the butter mixture and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. Repeat process again with the remaining 3 sheets of phyllo (you will now have completed three layers). Fill phyllo-lined pan with the custard; spread evenly.

Working with one layer at a time, fold phyllo sheets toward the center of the pan. Brush generously with the butter mixture and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Repeat folding, buttering, and sprinkling until all layers have been folded toward the center. Do not sprinkle the top layer as the sugar may burn and darken the pastry. Prick all over with a fork and bake, on a Silpat-lined baking sheet, until golden brown, about 1 hour.

Combine the remaining tablespoon of cinnamon with the confectioners sugar and sprinkle over the surface of the phyllo when removed from oven. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

This recipe yields 1 eight-inch round pastry.

Yield: 1 eight-inch round pastry

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