Sensational Rice Custard Pudding

Debaylady's Note:

This is a very old recipe that was my husband's grandmother's own creation. She was well known for her cooking and baking. I have been making this for over 40 years and always get raving reviews. Once, a cousin gifted me with a very large glass bowl that had 8 smaller serving dishes. She included a note that this was to become 'the family dinners rice custard pudding bowl' as everyone requested that I make it for all our gatherings! For a creamier custard pudding, use Aborio rice or a medium grain rice; I prefer the short Aborio rice. Never use instant rice. You may wish to use less sugar as this is a very sweet custard pudding, due to the condensed milk. I hope this becomes a favorite of your family too!

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

• 1 cup arborio rice , uncooked
• 5 cups water
• 4 cups milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 (12 ounce) can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk
• 3 eggs , room temperature
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• nutmeg or cinnamon
• raisins (optional)

Directions:

1. Spray the bottom and sides of a large pot with Pam. Then add the water, cover and bring it a boil; add the rice and stir with a wooden spoon. When it returns to a boil, cover and simmer until all water is absorbed.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium (Pam sprayed) saucepan, warm the milk and Eagle Brand condensed milk over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add to rice pot when all its water is absorbed. Use a wooden spoon to mix well.
3. (For the next step you may choose to either use the whole eggs or to separate them and whip the whites to be folded in before adding the vanilla. Personally, I like to whip the whites until they reach the soft peak stage and then gently fold them in near the end of the cooking time. This is when I whip the egg whites and set aside.).
4. In your blender, mix together either the egg yolks or the whole eggs along with the cornstarch and a small amount of milk (about 1/3 c.). Temper this mixture by adding 2-3 tablespoons of the hot milk mixture, then hit pulse once or twice.
5. Pour egg mixture into the rice and milk mixture. Stir to blend together.
6. Add sugar and salt; stir well. Continue cooking over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
7. Note: If you are going to add the whipped egg whites, gently fold them in just before rice mixture reaches your desired thickened level. Then stir in the vanilla. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Remove from heat and wait 15 minutes before pouring into your pretty glass serving bowl. Sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon on top. Cover with Seran Wrap.
9. If not serving within a couple of hours, put in the refrigerator.
10. Enjoy -- all your time and efforts will be well worth it! I have made it with Splenda and low-fat milk as well as low-fat Condensed Milk with excellent results.