QUICK RICE PUDDING

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SERVES 6 to 8

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

We prefer pudding made from medium-grain rice, but long-grain rice will also work.

2	cups water
1	cup medium-grain white rice
¼	teaspoon salt
2	cups half-and-half, plus extra as needed
⅓	cup sugar
1½	teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Microwave water, rice, and salt in large covered bowl until rice is tender and most of liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla to simmer in large saucepan over medium-high heat.

2. Stir hot rice mixture into saucepan and simmer, stirring often, until mixture is thickened and creamy, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in additional half-and-half as needed to adjust consistency. Let cool slightly before serving.

VARIATIONS

QUICK CINNAMON-RAISIN RICE PUDDING

Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ cup raisins to saucepan with rice in step 2.

QUICK COCONUT-CARDAMOM RICE PUDDING

Substitute ½ cup coconut milk for ½ cup water and substitute 1 cup coconut milk for 1 cup half-and-half. Add ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom to saucepan with half-and-half in step 1.