I always have rice leftover after getting Chinese takeout, no matter how little food I ordered or how many people are there to share it. It's almost as though the people on the phone have a sixth sense about how much rice will be consumed. Of course, I'm not really complaining because I really like rice and it's better to have a little extra than not enough. And rice pudding can always be made with the leftovers.

In its simplest form, rice pudding needs rice, sugar and milk, and this is a fairly simple version. It may not be rich enough for the cream-laden menu at Rice to Riches, but it is easy and very satisfying. It makes a great, comforting dessert that will probably remind you of your grandmother, and works equally well at breakfast, though grandma might have disapproved of that.

Leftover Rice Rice Pudding

2 cups leftover cooked white rice
3 cups milk (any kind)*
1/2 cup sugar
small pinch salt
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
pinch nutmeg, optional

Combine cooked rice, milk, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the vanilla and raisins. Cook until just about all of the milk is absorbed (30-45 minutes, depending on how absorbent your rice is). Stir in cinnamon and/or nutmeg, if using.
Divide rice pudding into individual serving dishes serve warm or chilled.
Makes 4-6 servings.

*Note: Sometimes I add an extra 1/2 cup of milk, if the rice seems unusually firm or dry, to make it creamier. Feel free to add a bit extra if the pudding is not as creamy as you like it. You can use nonfat, lowfat, whole or soy milk in this recipe.

[Recipe by Nicole Weston]