Recipe: Rainy day Rice Pudding

Rain, Rain, go away. Come again some other day never.

I hate winter. I know, I know... hate's a strong word - but I'm serious. I'm one of those people that is always cold and winter just makes it 3000x worse. I can totally understand how some people get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) because I wouldn't be surprised if I had it in winter.

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In winter, I am always so cold and miserable that I've seriously considered taking up a groundhog lifestyle. I would happily hibernate all winter long and come out when the weather is warmer. 

All I'd need is my heated blanket, bed and a constant supply of hot tea and steaming bowls of oatmeal. Yes, I know hibernating means you're not supposed to eat - but seriously?! I need food. 

On cold, rainy, miserable days I usually find myself either;
a) wrapped up in a blanket, clutching hot tea
b) in the kitchen

One of my favourite cold weather foods is rice pudding. It's warm, comforting and delicious! I thought I'd share my tried and tested Stovetop Rice Pudding recipe, it's easily adapted and sooooo yummy. If you're looking for a quicker recipe, try using cooked rice

Stovetop Rice Pudding

1/2 cup raw rice (~100g)
2 cups milk + 1 cup milk
1-2 tbsp sweetener of choice (this depends on your preferences, for me I have zero sweet tooth, so when making it for myself I just use vanilla and no sweetener)2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon, to taste (optional)

In a medium saucepan, bring rice, 2C milk, sweetener, vanilla and cinnamon to the boil.

Cover pan and reduce heat to low, leaving the rice to simmer for 15 minutes - stirring occasionally. 

Once the rice is cooked, turn the heat up to high and add the 1C milk. Stir constantly for ~7 minutes, or until your desired consistency is reached.

Transfer the rice pudding to bowls or a serving dish and leave to cool slightly before serving. 

 

This rice pudding makes a delicious winter breakfast, snack or dessert. You can easily adapt it to add whatever flavours you like - one of my favourite ways is to add in a chopped apple, extra cinnamon and a handful of raisins. If you want a quicker version use cooked rice and about 1/2 the milk and simmer until the milk is absorbed and it's creamy. 

So, what's your favourite rainy day food? One of my current rainy day foods is grilled cheese, it's warm, delicious and filling.