Countdown to Christmas: Mom's Rice Pudding

Here is a recipe that is near and dear to my heart - my mom's rice pudding.   My mom and her mother before her would often make this recipe on cold winter nights as an after dinner treat and we'd eat leftovers for breakfast the next day.  This is truly comfort food at its best.  It was a bit of a challenge to actually write down ingredients and directions since it's one of those recipes I've learned by watching Mom, and she learned by watching her mom, and Grandma doesn't measure - not anything - not ever!  But this time, I took notes and paid close attention to what I was doing so I could share it with you.  I hope you enjoy this family favorite as much as we do!

Grinch pajama party to kick off the Christmas season!

Mom's Rice Pudding



Ingredients: (for a whole family, double this recipe)
- 1 c. white rice
- 2 c. water
- 3 T. butter
- 1/2 c. sugar (more or less, to taste)
- 1 c. milk
- 1 t. vanilla
- cinnamon, to taste



Directions:

1.  Cook rice according to package directions.  Bring rice and water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.  Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.



2.  Add butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla.  Increase heat to medium and stir until butter is melted.  Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring often to prevent sugar from burning.  Cook until mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes (may take a little longer for a double batch). 



3.  Serve warm, sprinkle with cinnamon.  (Michael likes his with brown sugar and raisins - his family actually makes a baked version that way)

printable recipe



Peanut got to try it for the first time and she is totally sold! 



But here's what happens when you give babies rice pudding... you've been warned!

Just 20 days 'til Christmas!!!