Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

1 cup white rice (long or medium grain)

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins (optional, but recommended for added sweetness)

Ground nutmeg for a cozy garnish (optional)

Directions:

Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until clear to shed extra starch, ensuring your pudding remains delightfully creamy and not gummy.

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed rice with milk and cream. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer on low for 18-20 minutes, stirring now and then. Watch for tender, liquid-absorbed rice.

Whisk the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This is the heart of your pudding’s creamy texture and flavor.

Merge Rice and Custard: Gently blend the custard into the cooked rice. If you’re adding raisins, now’s the time!

Thicken the Pudding: Keep cooking and stirring over low heat for 5-7 minutes. The mix will thicken beautifully. Avoid boiling to keep the texture just right.

Serve It Up: Let the pudding cool a bit, then serve it warm or chilled. A sprinkle of nutmeg adds a touch of spice.

Savor the Flavor: Dive into bowls of this creamy, comforting pudding and let each spoonful transport you to a simpler, sweeter time.

Storing Leftovers: Keep any extra pudding in the fridge. It’s just as delicious cold or gently warmed up with a splash of milk.

Experience the Joy:

Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is more than a dessert; it’s a journey back in time, connecting generations with its creamy texture, gentle sweetness, and cinnamon’s whisper. Perfect for reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, this pudding is a heartwarming treat for any day.