Rice Pudding

My parents used to go to this great Greek restaurant called Constantines.  They were wonderful people and the food was so delicious!  I remember a visit where the owner brought me a little rice pudding..................it was fantastic!

Some of you may be thinking, "Rice Pudding? That doesn't sound very good."  Don't be a hater until you've tried it!

Here are the ingredients for a simple rice pudding:

1/2 cup Arborio rice
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 tablespoons sugar
3 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream
Pinch of salt

In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of the milk, cinnamon stick, sugar, salt and rice.  As the milk absorbs into the rice, it will thicken.  Add more milk, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly.  The rice will take about 25 minutes to soften. 

Your rice mixture should be slightly thickened when the rice is finished cooking.  If it looks runny, do not worry - it will continue to thicken as it cools.  Discard the cinnamon stick before serving.

I served mine with some cherry preserves that I made:  http://rediscovermom.blogspot.com/2012/06/canning-cherry-preserves.html

This is an unusual sweet treat.  Try it, you'll like it!