Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

1/2 cup arborio rice

4 cups water

1 pint (='s 2 cups) heavy cream

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup sugar

3 tbsp corn starch mixed with a little water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp orange blossom water (optional)

Arborio rice is a short grain rice that has a high starch content which is released gradually as you stir in cup after cup of hot water/milk resulting in the creamy texture.You will not get that result with regular white rice. You’ll have a flavored rice dish that may be delicious, but it will not be as creamy. Arborio rice is available in many supermarkets, (also known as risotto rice).

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil in a heavy bottom pot (I used a dutch oven). Stir in the rice. Continue to boil, stirring frequently. The rice will gradually absorb the water. Add more water if needed little by little until the rice is cooked. Remember, keep stirring.

Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to a setting between med - med/high. Add the heavy cream and whole milk to the rice. Add the cornstarch/water mix. Stir until it begins to thicken. (Stir constantly without stopping otherwise it will burn.)

Add the sugar. Stir. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and orange blossom water.

Cool for 10 minutes then refrigerate. Cover with plastic wrap. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the pudding. Serve chilled. Top with nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut if desired. 

Source: daliasdelights original