RANCH PUDDING

2 cups packed brown sugar, divided use
2 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 cups Bisquick baking mix
1 cup raisins or chopped dates
1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream, liquid cream or half-and-half (to serve)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup brown sugar, water and butter. Bring to a boil; let boil for 5 minutes. Pour into an 8-inch-square pan.

In a bowl, stir together remaining 1 cup brown sugar, milk, baking mix, raisins, nuts and vanilla. Spoon into the pan.

Bake for 45 minutes; the batter will sink into the liquid and spread out as it bakes.

Serve warm with cream or whipped cream.

Servings: 9
Adapted from source: Betty Crocker's Bisquick Cook Book; 1956