Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding

This rich, creamy pudding is delicious served warm or cold. If you feel like dressing it up a bit, add a cinnamon stick while the rice is cooking, or top the finished pudding with a sprinkling of raisins and a little freshly grated nutmeg just before serving.

Ingredients

1½ c water
¾ c basmati rice
¼ t salt
3 c Lochmead Farms Whole Milk
1 c Lochmead Farms Heavy Whipping Cream
½ c sugar
½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Directions

Simmer water, rice and salt in heavy, large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add milk, cream and sugar. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Increase heat to medium; cook uncovered until rice is tender and mixture thickens slightly to a soft, creamy texture, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.

Remove pudding from heat and discard vanilla bean. Divide pudding evenly among small bowls. Serve warm or press plastic wrap directly onto surface of each pudding and chill thoroughly. DO AHEAD: Pudding can be made 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.

Makes 6 to 8 servings