Whole Grain Rice Pudding

I *love* when UPS shows up at my door when I'm not expecting any packages. How exciting!! I was selected as part of the Foodbuzz Tastemakers program to receive a free box of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice.

My challenge? To create a kid friendly recipe using whole grain rice. Of course I had to think outside the box. Kids can sniff out healthy ingredients from a million miles away. Nothing in the "rules" said that it couldn't be dessert!! ;)

There is NO WAY kids can spot this healthy substitution of whole grain rice! Even the healthiest of homes make the occasional (or more than occasional) dessert! Here is one simple way to feel better about giving your kids dessert.

Whole Grain Rice Pudding

• 3/4 cup uncooked Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice
• 2 cups milk, divided
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• a pinch of nutmeg
• 2/3 cup raisins
• 1 egg, beaten
  

Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. After the 10 minute mark start occasionally checking on the rice. You don't want it to overcook and start sticking to the pan!


Once the rice is cooked, add the 1 1/2 cups of the milk, sugar and salt. Stir to combine and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is creamy. Keep an eye on it and make sure your heat isn't up too high so you avoid burning the rice.


Add the remaining 1/2 cup of milk, beaten egg, butter, maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and raisins. Stir and cook an additional 3-5 minutes or until it thickens slightly. You can serve this warm or cold. I personally prefer it warm, but it is delicious either way.


If you want to give this recipe a shot, here is a link to a coupon for the Uncle Ben's rice. Enjoy!