Rice Pudding

Rice Pudding (serves 8-10)

2 Cups water                                      3 cups half-and-half

1/4 tsp salt                                           2/3 cup granulated white sugar

2 cups whole milk                              1 cup uncooked medium- or long-grain rice

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Bring 2 cups water to boil in large, heavy-bottomed pot. Stir in rice and and salt. Cover, simmer on low until water is almost completely absorbed ( 15-20 min). 

Add milk, half-and-half, and sugar. Bring to simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to maintain simmer until mixture starts to thicken. Stir frequently. Reduce to low after about 30 minutes, and continue to stir every few minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract.  

*this is also great Arroz dulce, with an additional 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup dried fruit/raisins, and 1 tsp cinnamon!