Baked Rice Pudding: A Classic Comfort Food

Baked rice pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with rice, milk, sugar, and eggs, and can be flavored with a variety of spices and fruits. Rice pudding can be baked in a variety of ways, but the most popular method is to bake it in a casserole dish.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup uncooked white rice
* 4 cups milk
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened.
5. Stir in the raisins, if desired.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

* For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
* For a sweeter pudding, add more sugar to taste.
* For a more flavorful pudding, add a variety of spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
* For a fruitier pudding, add a variety of fruits, such as berries, peaches, or apples.
* Rice pudding can be served warm or cold.

Variations:

* Chocolate rice pudding: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the milk mixture.
* Pumpkin rice pudding: Add 1 cup pumpkin puree to the milk mixture.
* Coconut rice pudding: Add 1 cup coconut milk to the milk mixture.
* Brown rice pudding: Use brown rice instead of white rice.
* Quinoa rice pudding: Use quinoa instead of rice.

Baked rice pudding is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover rice, and it can be easily customized to suit your own taste.