Rice n Spice Pudding

6 Servings

Soak raisins in 3/4 cup water until plump, about 20 minutes; drain and set aside. In medium saucepan, combine rice with 1 1/2 cups almond milk, cinnamon stick, orange rind, salt and cardamom, cloves and mint tied in piece of cheesecloth. Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until [...]

1/³ cup golden raisins
¾ cup spring or filtered water
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
3 cups almond milk
3-inch piece cinnamon stick
6-inch strip orange rind
½ tsp. sea salt
3 cardamom pods
3 whole cloves
1 sprig fresh mint
¼ cup maple syrup
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp. ground cloves
⅛ tsp. grated nutmeg
½ cup unsweetened toasted coconut, reserve 2 tsp. for garnish

Soak raisins in 3/4 cup water until plump, about 20 minutes; drain and set aside.
In medium saucepan, combine rice with 1 1/2 cups almond milk, cinnamon stick, orange rind, salt and cardamom, cloves and mint tied in piece of cheesecloth. Cover and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the almond milk is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Add remaining almond milk and return to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. (At this point the rice should be creamy and most of the liquid absorbed.)
Remove from heat, discard orange rind, cinnamon stick and bouquet garni. Stir in plumped raisins, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg and coconut. Spoon into serving cups and garnish with a sprinkle of coconut.

November 1998