Homemade Italian Rice Pudding

I still remember the sweet aroma of Mom's Italian rice pudding baking as us kids came through the door from school. Growing up, homemade rice pudding was a treat for us kids at least a once a month. The intoxicating smell of brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg simmering in the oven really got our tastes buds going!

It is funny, my husband remembers a dish that his Mom used to make when he was growing up. She called it rice and raisins with milk. He and his siblings loved it. Alices's rice and raisins was made in a whole different way than my families. Both delicious. I'll ask Dan's sisters about her recipe and get back to you all about it. Rice pudding was not only a healthy and inexpensive dessert but would fill up an entire hungry family!

In today's world of fast food and unhealthy eating, we should try to get back to some of the simple basics that many of our parents raised us with.

Italian Rice Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Italian Arborio or plain rice
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups milk- (substitute with almond, soy or coconut milk if desired)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp lemon or orange zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp butter

Preparation:

1. Beat sugar and eggs together.
2. Add remaining ingredients and rice.
3. Stir well, place in greased baking dish.
4. Dot the top with butter.
5. Bake uncovered in 325 degree oven for 1-1/2 hrs or until rice is tender and custard is set.
6. Serve hot.

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 - 1/2 hrs
Servings- 6-8

Live Long and Mangia!

Optional: Brandy Cherry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup cherry juice or 1 can, canned cherries with juice
• 1 tbsp brandy

Preparation:

1. Combine sugar, water and cinnamon in saucepan and boil over medium heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
2. Whisk in cornstarch and cherry juice.
3. Cook until thick and clear, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat, add cherries and brandy.
5. Serve over Baked Rice Pudding or Cake and/or just plain ice cream.

Health Benefits: Raisins are considered to be one of the most nutritious dried fruit in the world! Raisins are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are completely cholesterol free, in fact they help fight cholesterol. Raisins contain Boron which is a great brain boosting mineral. The health benefits of this amazing fruit is endless. Just eat lots of raisins!

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