Dr. Phil rice pudding saved my marriage!

The author of the cookbook I got this recipe from claims that when the recipe was first published, she got mail from many people saying that this dessert had saved their marriages. Well, I'm not sure it could replace couples counseling, but isn't rice pudding one of the ultimate comfort foods?

I used a leftover mix of cooked basmati and wild rice for this. The recipe actually calls for short grain rice, but any rice you have on hand will do. Raw rice triples in volume when cooked, so I skipped the first step and used 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice. I also left out the raisins because no one but me likes them.

Creamy Rice Pudding (from Simply Heartsmart Cooking by Bonnie Stern)

1/2 cup raw rice (preferably short grain)
1 cup boiling water
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
pinch salt
5 cups milk
pinch nutmeg
1/4 raisins (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp cinnamon

1. Combine rice with boiling water in a large saucepan. Cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes, until water is absorbed.

2. Combine sugar with cornstarch and salt. Whisk in 1 cup milk. Stir until smooth.

3. Add sugar mixture and remaining milk to rice in saucepan. Combine well. Add nutmeg and raisins. Stirring, bring to a boil.

4. Cover and reduce heat to barest simmer and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the mixture is very creamy. Stir occasionally.

5. Stir in vanilla. Transfer pudding to a serving bowl and sprinkle with cinammon. Serve hot or cold. Makes 8 servings.

Note: If you like crème brûlée, place chilled pudding in a flat, ovenproof dish and sprinkle with sifted brown sugar. Place under the broiler until sugar melts (watch it closely so it doesn't burn!)

I attempted to get a picture, but you know what? Rice pudding is about as photogenic as, well, rice pudding. Trust me, it really does taste much better than it looks.




We like to serve this pudding with sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top (Mr. M's favourite because it reminds him of his childhood) or with a fruit compote as pictured here.

Rice pudding: delicious, filling and a whole lot cheaper than alimony!