Expert: Suzette - 1/25/2001

Question
How to make creamy rice pudding?  Every time my wife and I make it, it comes out dry.  

Answer
There are 2 types of rice pudding - one cooked on top of the stove and the other baked. The baked version can be a bit drier than the stovetop one. I'm including a recipe for both methods, because it really depends on your taste.

Creamy Rice Pudding

1.5 cups cooked rice
2 cups milk, divided
0.33 cups sugar
0.66 cups raisins
0.25 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 egg, beaten
0.5 teaspoons vanilla
Dash nutmeg or cinnamon, optional
Combine rice and 1.5 cups milk, sugar and salt in heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until thick and creamy, 15-20 minutes. Blend remaining half cup milk and egg. Stir into rice mixture. Add raisins. Cook 2 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Add butter and vanilla. Spoon this into serving dishes. Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon if desired. Serves 4.

Baked Rice Pudding

0.5 cups rice
1 quart milk
0.5 cups white or 0.66 cups brown sugar
0.5 teaspoons salt
0.25 teaspoons nutmeg
0.5 cups seedless raisins
Combine rice, milk, sugar and salt; pour into buttered 1.5 quart baking dish. Bake in slow oven (300F) one hour; stir occasionally. Add nutmeg and raisins; continue baking another 1.5 to 1.75 hours. Makes six servings.

Try the stovetop version first - let me know what you think!

Suzette