Nana's Rice Pudding

 

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked rice
2 1/4 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2-12 oz. cans evaporated milk
1/4 -1 cup raisins
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

  • In a two quart saucepan, place water and stick cinnamon over a low heat for twenty minutes.

  • Remove stick cinnamon bring up to a medium/high  heat and add rice.

  • Stir occasionally at first .Stir frequently as rice begins to expand.

  • Watch carefully for the rice to loose it’s oval shape and become rectangular. Do not leave it unattended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Do not allow it to dry out!!!

  • At this time add 1/2 of the evaporated milk,(1-can)

  • Stir until rice expands and  the mixture thickens. Rice should show when pan is not being stirred.   Do not let dry out!!!!!

  • Add remaining evaporated milk, raisins and all of the sugar & vanilla..

  • Cook until mixture warms up then remove from heat.

  • Place in large serving type bowl sprinkle ground cinnamon over top.

    • Do’s & Don’ts
    Or otherwise known as;   " Tips from Nana"

    This is my Nana’s ( grandmother) recipe for her famous rice pudding.   My Nana showed me how to make this recipe one day when I was building a stairway for my Auntie Linda & Uncle Dave . She gave me the following instructions.

    Once the rice begins to cook, do not leave it unattended.   If the rice dries out,  you will not be able to save it and it will taste like yuck.

    Do not use a generic type of evaporated milk.  Nana told me her favorite was Carnation, but it could have been that that was the only kind she could find in the store that day.

    Nana originally told me about 1/4 cup sugar, then she changed it to ”sugar to taste."

    If you should forget a step or leave out something, it will be ok, since Nana, in her later years,  also would forget a step or two.  This might serve to be more authentic but I don’t recommend it.

    Serving Suggestions:  You may serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold. We always served it as often as possible.  Great as a dessert , snack or meal!

    This recipe serves about six normal dessert size bowls, unless my brothers or cousins or Uncle Dave happen to be around.   Then it only serves 1-3! 

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