Rice Pudding

RICE PUDDING

2 C COOKED RICE

1 C MILK

1 T SUGAR

1/2 TSP CINNAMON

1/2 TSP CARDAMOM

1 HABAÑERO, MINCED

2 T CRYSTALLIZED GINGER, CHOPPED

2/3 C DRIED FRUIT: CHERRIES, RAISINS, CRANBERRIES

2/3 C CHOPPED NUTS: PISTACHIOS, MARCONA ALMONDS, WALNUTS

PINCH OF SALT

PUT EVERYTHING IN HEAVY BOTTOMED POT.

SIMMER, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY, UNTIL MILK ALMOST GONE.

COOL SLIGHTLY, TOP WITH A SPLASH OF CREAM.

VARIATIONS:

USE OTHER GRAINS. I LIKE BUCKWHEAT GROATS. USE DIFFERENT DRIED FRUITS AND NUTS, MIXED OR NOT. CHERRIES PLUS PISTACHIOS IS GORGEOUS. USE CREAM INSTEAD OF MILK: LIVE A LITTLE.