Rice Pudding from Isabel's Cantina

Just before I went on holiday last year several books arrived into my mail box.  One being Isabel's Cantina by Isabel Cruz .  I took it on holiday, I took it home, then we decided to move to Australia so it was packed into one of the many boxes labelled cookbooks. Since being unpacked it has shared shelf space with the remainder of my collection I had decided to keep. ( Some  went to good homes) .

Our favourite Creampuff  did an extensive review of the book last year......and tested many of the recipes. 

I finally got out of the pool  did a little cooking this week.  I wanted to try the rice pudding as it has condensed milk as an ingredient.  And who doesn't like to have a can of that open  in the fridge to sneak a spoonful of when no one is looking.  Isabel serves hers with mango but I decided to serve mine with nectarines stewed in white wine and sugar.

Rice Pudding with Cinnamon, Star Anise and Fruit
(Serves 4)

1 cup medium or short grain rice
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 cups whole milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
3 whole star anise (I left this out as I didn't have any)
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Bring two cups of cold water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and the salt, stir once, reduce heat so that the mixture simmers. When the rice has absorbed most of the water (about 20 minutes), add the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, star anise, cinnamon and vanilla bean.  Stir thoroughly to combine.

Simmer the pudding over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken, 15 - 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low and begin stirring regularly to avoid scorching as the pudding begins to thicken to an oatmeal consistency. This can take about 30 - 45 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

Remove the star anise, cinnamon and vanilla bean. Refrigerate the rice pudding until cold, at least 1 hour or, covered,  for up to  three days.

Serve the chilled rice pudding in individual bowls and top with fruit.

I think I will use this book more living in the warmer climate of the Gold Coast than I would in the cooler New Zealand.

Comments

[chrisb]

Judging by the photo I think this would be delicious Barbara.

[ilva]

I never tried to make it with condensed milk, I'd love to try that! But the only condensed milk I have seen so far here is made by Nestle' and I am full of principles so no condensed milk...:-(

[Ivonne]

Isn't it a lovely book! I didn't try the rice pudding but it looks gorgeous. Hope you get to try lots of other recipes!

[Joan]

anything with both rice AND sweetened condensed milk..well..I'm there!!!!

ilva..here's a link I found for you..Nestlefree..

http://www.preparedpantry.com/sweetcondmilk.htm

[barbara]

Chris - it was.
Ilva - I was not aware of the Nestle boycott until you mentioned it.
Ivonne - I was impressed with your research.
Joan - thankyou.

[barbara]

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