Semolina Pudding (Ma'Mounia ? Syria)

This makes a wonderful breakfast dish.

2 cups water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup semolina (couscous)*
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground cinnamon

Heat water and sugar to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes; remove from heat and reserve. Heat butter in 1 1/2-quart saucepan until melted; add semolina. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes.

Stir in reserved sugar syrup, raisins, almonds and salt. Heat to boiling. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes.

Pour into serving dishes; sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve warm or cold with sweetened whipped cream.

Yields 4 to 6 servings.

* 1/3 cup farina may be substituted for the semolina.