There’s something truly magical about homemade desserts, isn’t there? They wrap you in warmth and nostalgia, transporting you back to cherished moments in the kitchen. One of my all-time favorites has to be my mom’s old-fashioned rice pudding. This creamy, dreamy dish has been a staple in our family for generations. I can still remember the comforting smell wafting through our home as it simmered on the stove, a sweet promise of cozy evenings ahead. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl, reminding me of family gatherings and laughter shared over spoonsful of creamy goodness. Trust me, once you dive into this classic recipe, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart—and why it deserves a spot in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How to Prepare Moms Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
Making my mom’s old-fashioned rice pudding is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and the sweet scent of nostalgia. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a creamy dessert that’ll make your heart sing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Starting the Cooking Process: First, grab a large pot and combine the uncooked rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Now, place it over medium heat and bring it to a boil. This part is crucial—make sure to stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Trust me, you don’t want that! Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
- Adding Flavors and Eggs: After 20 minutes, it’s time to add some magic! Stir in the pure vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. The aroma will be heavenly! Now, take a bowl and mix the beaten eggs with a small amount of the hot rice mixture—this is called tempering and helps prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, stir this egg mixture back into the pot. This step is key for that rich, creamy texture we all love!
- Finishing Touches: Cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. This will ensure your pudding is smooth and velvety. Once it thickens just a bit, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. And there you have it—comfort in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and straightforward preparation—perfect for cooks of all skill levels!
- Rich, creamy texture that’s oh-so-comforting on chilly evenings.
- A nostalgic dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and mom’s warm hugs.
- Versatile serving options—enjoy it warm, chilled, or even as a delightful breakfast treat!
- Endless customization—add your favorite toppings, like raisins or nuts, for a personal twist.
- Perfect for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for a quick and satisfying dessert any day of the week.
Tips for Success
Now, before you dive into making this delightful rice pudding, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use good quality rice, like Arborio or Jasmine, for that creamy texture. And don’t skimp on the milk—whole milk gives the richest flavor, but you can substitute with 2% if needed.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, feel free to bump up the sugar a bit! Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Perfect Consistency: If your pudding is too thick, you can stir in a little extra milk after it cools to reach your desired creaminess. Just do it gradually so you don’t overdo it!
- Serving Suggestions: I love to top my rice pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon, but feel free to get creative! Try adding fresh berries, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra special touch.
- Chill Time: If you’re serving it chilled, let it cool completely before refrigerating. This helps it set nicely and enhances the flavors.
- Warm It Up: If you’ve got leftovers, just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy goodness!
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering my mom’s old-fashioned rice pudding. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting classic!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re probably curious about the nutritional side of things, and that’s totally understandable! Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect in a serving of my mom’s old-fashioned rice pudding:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 7g
This classic dessert is a delightful balance of creamy comfort and a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect treat without too much guilt! Just keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use. Enjoy indulging in this nostalgic recipe while savoring the joy it brings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious bowl of mom’s old-fashioned rice pudding, you might have some leftovers—and trust me, you’ll want to save them! Here’s how to store and reheat it so that it stays just as creamy and delightful as when it was first made.
To store, simply transfer any leftover rice pudding into an airtight container. It’s best to let it cool completely at room temperature before sealing it up. Then, pop it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as it might thicken a bit in the fridge.
When it’s time to enjoy your rice pudding again, reheating is a breeze! You can warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help restore that smooth, creamy texture. Stir it constantly to avoid any sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals—about 30 seconds at a time—stirring in between until it’s heated through. Just be careful not to overheat, as that can make it a little too thick.
So, whether you’re savoring those leftovers as a cozy dessert or a delightful breakfast treat, following these tips will ensure each bite is just as comforting as the first!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While I love using Arborio rice for its creamy texture, you can also use Jasmine or Basmati rice if you prefer. They’ll give your pudding a slightly different flavor but will still turn out delicious. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to keep an eye on it as it simmers!
How can I make this rice pudding dairy-free?
If you want to make mom’s old-fashioned rice pudding dairy-free, no problem at all! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Just choose a brand you enjoy, and remember that coconut milk will give it a lovely, rich flavor. You might want to adjust the sugar too, as some plant-based milks can be sweeter than regular milk!
What toppings can I add to moms old fashioned rice pudding?
The toppings are where you can really get creative! I love a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that classic touch, but you can also add raisins, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. For an extra indulgence, try drizzling honey or maple syrup over the top. The combinations are endless, so feel free to play around with your favorites!
How long does the rice pudding last in the fridge?
Your delicious rice pudding will last in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days when stored properly. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you notice any separation, just give it a gentle stir before serving. Always trust your instincts—if it smells or looks off, it’s best to discard it.
Can I freeze rice pudding?
You can definitely freeze rice pudding if you want to save some for later! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of milk, and stir until creamy. It might not be quite as silky as fresh, but it’ll still taste delightful!
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Moms Old Fashioned Rice Pudding: 5 Secrets of Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic rice pudding recipe passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- In a bowl, mix beaten eggs with a small amount of the hot rice mixture.
- Stir the egg mixture back into the pot.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Top with additional cinnamon if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: moms old fashioned rice pudding, rice pudding, dessert, traditional recipe
