My Grandma's Recipe

The time spent in my grandma's kitchen are memories I hold dear. Among her many delicious dishes, her rice pudding remains a favourite. It’s not merely a dessert; it symbolizes love, comfort, nostalgia and our French Canadian heritage. I am excited to share my grandma's baked rice pudding recipe with you. This inexpensive treat is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You Will Need

To craft this delightful dish, gather the following key ingredients:

• 1 cup of long-grain rice

• 3/4 cup of Carnation milk

• 2 eggs

  
  

• 3/4 cup of sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp of butter

• Sprinkle of cinnamon

  
  

These ingredients are essential to recreating VB's rice pudding, perfect for any occasion.

Cooking Directions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps of making this tasty rice pudding.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the long grain rice and stir. Boil until the rice is soft. Drain any excess water.

   
   

2. In a separate bowl, combine the 3/4 cup of Carnation milk with the drained rice. Stir well to combine.

   
   

3. Add the 3/4 cup of white sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the rice mixture. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

   
   

4. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the butter is melted and evenly distributed.

   
   

5. Grease a casserole dish with butter and pour the rice mixture into the dish.
   

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Note: Cook for a shorter time if you prefer a creamier texture.

   
   

7. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, stir in additional cream, milk, or fruit as desired.
   

Tips for the Perfect Rice Pudding

To help you achieve pudding perfection, here are a few tried-and-true tips from my own cooking experiences.

• Taste for Sweetness: Always taste before finishing. You might prefer it sweeter or want to try a healthier sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a different twist.

  
  

• Garnish Creatively: Consider adding raisins, fruit, or toasted nuts to your pudding. They provide extra texture and flavor. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful finish.

  
  

• Be Patient: Good things take time. Letting the pudding rest for a while allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

  
  

As you create this pudding, the rich aroma that fills your kitchen will evoke memories of home and family.

Serving Suggestions

While rice pudding is delightful on its own, there are fun ways to elevate your serving. Consider these options:

• Fresh Fruit: Adding berries or banana slices provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding and boosts its nutritional value.

  
  

• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of chocolate syrup adds a rich flavor that can transform the dish into a dessert experience.

  
  

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream gives it a dreamy touch and looks beautiful on the plate.

  
  

• Nuts: Crumbled cookies or toasted almonds can add crunch and make your dessert even more enjoyable.

  
  

Bringing It All Together

My grandma's rice pudding recipe is more than just food; it's a way to connect with my family's traditions. Each spoonful of this dessert brings immense warmth and comfort, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or those quiet evenings at home with a great book.

VB, if you didn't know, was an avid reader.

I invite you to try this recipe. Create new memories with your loved ones around the table. Whether on a cool evening or a warm summer night, this rice pudding will always give you that feeling of home.

So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that honours my grandma's legacy. Happy cooking!