Bring syrup to a boil and pour into a generously buttered 8x8x2 inch baking dish. If using nut meats, add them to the hot syrup. Let stand in a warm place.
With a large spoon beat butter, sugar and egg together until creamy. Mix remaining dry ingredients and add with the milk to the creamed mixture, stirring until well blended. Place as four large balls into hot syrup, then stretch dough with two forks until all are joined together. This is easy because the dough gets soft when it comes in contact with the hot syrup.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Tastes great with ice cream or whipping cream, served warm.