EASY RICE PUDDING RECIPES: BAKED

Serves 4 Preheat the oven to 300F/150C/gas 2. Put 55g (1/4 cup) short grain (pudding) rice, 25g (5 tsp) caster sugar and 550ml (2 ½ cup) semi-skimmed milk into a lightly oiled ovenproof dish. Stir gently, grate a little nutmeg over the top and bake for 2-2 ½ hours.

Variations

* Add a few drops of vanilla essence to the milk.
* Stir in a few drops of almond essence, and scatter flaked, toasted almonds over the surface.
* Grate in the zest of 1 lemon for a subtle, citrus fragrance.

EASY RICE PUDDING RECIPES: BOILED

Serves 4 Put 115g (3/4 cup) short grain rice and 75g (1/4 cup) caster sugar into a saucepan, and pour over 550ml (2 ½ cups) milk. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the rice is swollen and tender.

Variations

* Use brown rice, as a healthier alternative. Partially cook it for 15 minutes first, in 350ml (1 ½ cups) boiling water, then add the milk as above, return to a simmer, and cook for a further 25-30 minutes until tender.
* Sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup, rather than sugar.