I was given this recipe about 25 years ago by my cousin Annmarie. I think I have been demanded by my family to make this at every holiday and family event ever since. It is so delicious and so simple to make that I am always happy to oblige. This recipe truly is almost no work. And really, I think at every single occasion, everyone always says..."did you bring the rice!!??" Usually, I double the recipe so they might be able to bring some home for the next day. They all make fun when the bowl, or vat, as they call it weighs 20lbs....but they all want some to bring home. I am also never allowed to make this as I like it. They all love it just as my recipe is...but I like to switch things up. My favorite is when I add some orange zest and raisins at the end. It really is that good. If you or your family like rice pudding....you will love this recipe!!
RICE PUDDING
2 CUPS INSTANT RICE 1 CUP SUGAR 6 CUPS WHOLE MILK 1 CUP HEAVY CREAM 1 TSP VANILLA 2 EGGS CINNAMON FOR TOPPING
****OPTIONAL - ORANGE ZEST & RAISINS
In a medium sized stock pot, add the rice, sugar and milk. Cook covered over medium to low heat for about 45 minutes until rice gets tender and it looks like its starting to get thick. Stir occasionally.
Whisk the eggs in a bowl and let them come to room temperature. You can also temper them first with some of the liquid in the pot but I find if they are at room temperature and you are whisking the entire pot as you add them you should be fine. Also, if you add the cold heavy cream first it will bring the temperature down a bit. So go ahead and add the heavy cream, vanilla, and lastly the eggs. Leave uncovered at this point and continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until a nice thick consistency. Remove from heat and let cool. It will get thicker as it cools also.
****Now if you would like to try it my way.....Just add about 1/3 cup raisins and the zest of half an orange when its all done cooking. Again, uncover, remove from heat and allow to cool completely before refrigerating.
So easy....amazing and a true legend in our family. In fact, in our family on Christmas Eve, we have a dessert contest. My family is soooo crazy that we even had a trophy made up so the name of the winning dessert could be engraved each year. The winner gets to keep the trophy in their house for the entire year. I know....we are nuts right. Well this rice pudding is on that trophy so it really is a true winner!!! Our family has now taken it to the next level. The next generation, all of my nieces and nephews and my own kids, have the second generation dessert contest every Christmas Eve now. We actually do have a second generation trophy also. It's hysterical to see some of the things they come up with over the years. We've had the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree made out of cream puffs....real working lights on Christmas tree cakes...and believe it or not, the money cake!!! It was a cake topped with a bunch of gift boxes with money inside...my brother-in-law Bob's bribery to get everyone to eat his cake. It is a very special event every year and a guaranteed lots of laughs!!!!