Rice Pudding Recipe

The last few days have been pretty cold here at a -25ish or so and then there's the wind chill which brings it to somewhere around -40.   Brrrrrr!  On days like today, you just want to have some good ol' comfort food.  One of these foods for me is Rice Pudding.  Yes, on a cold day like today what could be better then to curl up with a blanket, a good book, and a nice warm bowl of Rice Pudding.

I've tried several recipes, but have found this one to be the best.  It's not hard to make, and is really tasty.  I like mine with a nice Vanilla Sauce and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.  

Rice Pudding.

6 cups  milk
1 cup regular rice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup raisins
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp vanilla

Add first 6 ingredients in to a 3 quart pot.  Heat over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around edge, stirring often.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for 1 hour until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.  Add vanilla, stir, cover and refrigerate until well chilled.




* I use Vanilla Sugar in mine.  Vanilla Sugar is easy to make.  All you do is take two vanilla beans, cut them into 1 inch chunks, and layer them in a quart jar with sugar.  Put a lid on it and put in the cupboard for a 2 - 3 weeks.  I make 2 jars and alternate them refilling the jars as I use the sugar up.  The vanilla beans are reusable.  I use the sugar in coffee, whip cream and other deserts.  


Vanilla Sauce

1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp flour
few grains salt
1 cup boiling water
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
few grains of nutmeg

Combine sugar, flour, salt in a sauce pan.  Add boiling water gradually, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir over low heat until clear and thickened (about 5 min).  Remove from heat; add butter, vanilla, and nutmeg.

My mom used to make the Vanilla Sauce for Bread Pudding, but I love it on the rice pudding.  It's really really good, and now I'm spoiled and can't make one without the other.  I use the Vanilla Sugar when I make the sauce as well.  

Rice Pudding with Vanilla Sauce and a sprinkle of nutmeg.  This stuff is good either hot, rewarmed in the microwave or cold from the fridge.  No mater how you have it, it's delicious and a true comfort food!