Greek dessert made with farina

1 1/2 c. sugar
3 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 lb. sweet butter (unsalted)
1 c. uncooked farina
1/4 c. pignoli nuts (optional)

Melt butter in pot. Stir in farina and nuts and brown over low heat, stirring constantly. While mixture is browning, combine water, sugar, vanilla and bring to boil for 10 minutes. When farina is browned, slowly stir hot syrup into it. Remove from heat. Stir and then cover pot with dish towel to absorb steam and then cover with lid and let it cool. Press Halva into cake form. It will slip right out onto plate. Sprinkle with cinnamon.