Creamy Rice Pudding (Microwave)

This is a delicious, creamy version of rice pudding that I got many years ago. It is good warm or chilled. Note: I made this is a 700-watt microwave, newer MWs are stronger and will require less time.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1  cup water
• 1⁄2 cup  raw long grain rice
• 1  dash salt
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 3  cups milk
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
•  cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Combine water, rice and salt in a 2 to 2 1/2 cup microwave-safe bowl. Cover. Microwave on HIGH for 5-6 minutes or until mixture boils. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Microwave on HIGH for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until rice is tender. Transfer to a large (12 cup) microwave-safe container.
2. Stir in the butter, sugar and milk. Cover. Microwave on HIGH for 8-10 minutes or until mixture boils. Beat the eggs and blend in a small amount of the hot mixture into the eggs, beating well. (This will prevent the eggs from curdling). Return to the large container, blending in well.
3. Microwave on HIGH, uncovered, 1 to 1/2 minutes, or until mixture bubbles around the edge, stirring once.
4. Stir in vanilla and transfer to serving dish; sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. Cool - pudding will thicken as it cools. Serve warm or chilled.
5. Note1: Microwave ovens vary considerably in power. Watch carefully the first time you make this and note the times needed in your microwave oven. My current microwave is 1200 watts. I set it to power setting 6, which is 60% of full strength or equivalent to 720 watts. I then just follow the original timing. If you calculate whatever power setting gets you closest to 700 watts, you can do the same.
6. Note2: I use a microwave popcorn popper to cook this - it works beautifully. Be sure your container is big - you don't want this boiling over in your microwave!