The Modern Nonna

4 Preheat the oven to 345F. 
0 First make the simple syrup. In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine the water, orange juice, and sugar. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes until it is the consistency of maple syrup. Remove from the heat and let cool while you work on the cake.
1 In a large bowl, combine the eggs and sugar, and using an electric hand mixer, mix until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the oil, yogurt, semolina, flour, vanilla, baking powder, and orange zest. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, gently combine all the ingredients just until there are no more streaks of flour. 
2 Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking pan and pour in the batter. Top with thin slices of oranges, if using. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 
3 Remove the cake from the oven and, while it is still hot, pour the cooled syrup all over. Let the cake rest and absorb all the syrup for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!