Karidopita (Walnut Cake)

To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter. Sprinkle with flour, shaking out excess.

Whisk eggs and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl with a fork. Add breadcrumbs, walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves; mix well. Scrape into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until dark brown and firm, about 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare syrup: Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Squeeze lemon into the syrup and add the lemon half to the pan. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, 5 to 10 minutes. Discard the lemon half.

While the cake is still warm, drizzle with the syrup. Let cool for 30 minutes. Serve with whipped cream (and/or ice cream or chocolate sauce), if desired.