Rice Pudding with Cherries and Almonds

This family favorite is delicious enough to serve at an elegant dinner party. Spoon into crystal goblets and serve warm or cold.
NotesLong-grain white rice can be successfully used in this recipe, but the pudding will not be as creamy as one made with Arborio rice.
Use 1 cup (250 mL) fresh pitted cherries in place of the dried cherries, if desired. Or substitute an equal quantity of dried cranberries, instead.
For a richer pudding, use half milk and half cream.
Serves6
Cooking Methodslow cooking
CostInexpensive
Total Timeunder 4 hours
Kid FriendlyYes
One Pot MealYes
OccasionCasual Dinner Party, Family Get-together
Recipe Coursedessert
Dietary Considerationpeanut free
Equipmentcrock pot
Mealdinner, lunch
Moodblue
Taste and Texturecreamy, fruity, nutty, rich
Type of Dishdessert
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (125 ml) Arborio rice (see Notes)
- ¼ cup (50 ml) dried cherries (see Notes)
- 2 tbsp (25 ml) ground almonds
- 1 tsp (5 ml) grated lemon zest
- Pinch salt
- 4 cups (1 L) milk (see Notes)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp (5 ml) almond extract
- Toasted sliced almonds (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Lightly greased slow cooker stoneware
Instructions
-
In prepared slow cooker stoneware, mix together sugar, rice, cherries, almonds, lemon zest and salt. Whisk together milk, eggs and almond extract, and stir into rice mixture. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours, until rice is tender and pudding is set. Serve warm, garnished with toasted almonds and whipped cream, if desired.
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2004 Judith Finlayson