Tuesday, November 18, 2008

TWD-Arborio Rice Pudding, White, Black (or Both)

This week's Tuesday's With Dorie recipe was chosen by Isabelle at Les gourmandises d'Isa.  She's sure got some tasty looking stuff on her blog.  Check it out and get the recipe for Dorie's Arborio Rice Pudding at Isabelle's blog. 

Now, I'd be lying if I said I loved this pudding and must tell you that 1)I haven't had rice pudding much in my life, 2)I don't really care for rice pudding, 3)I didn't really enjoy making this, 4)I thought it was eh, okay, and 5)I'm pretty sure I'll never made rice pudding again.  That being said, it wasn't horrible, turned out just fine, tasted okay and I'm glad I can now say I've made rice pudding.  So there.

My biggest complaint, I guess, is that it took WAY too long for the milk to come to a boil.  The recipe says to cook the milk and sugar over medium heat until it begins to boil.  I began this process at 7:08 p.m. and by 7:38 when it hadn't really started boiling yet, I added the rice anyway and turned the heat down a bit.  I felt like I really had to babysit the milk while it was on medium heat.  Milk burns so easily and I really hate it when that happens.  I did not constantly stand over the stove, but checked it OFTEN, while Dorie suggests to stir occasionally.  So the milk and rice never really simmered while the heat was on medium low, but it did reduce over time.  By 8:55 p.m., when it was well past time to get the boys in bed, I called it good.  I think it turned out fine and just as it was supposed to, but I just didn't enjoy the process.  I failed to mention that I used brown rice instead of Arborio, which I know would have made it creamier, but for kicks, I went for the healthier option.  Why?  Since the recipe calls for whole milk and that is what I used.  I dunno.  I separated it into two bowls and made half chocolate (Gharidelli 60% cacao chips) and half vanilla (1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract).

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I stirred the mix-ins together with the pudding and put plastic wrap over the top so the rice and I could go to bed for the night.  Nite-nite!  See you in the morning!

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The recipe didn't make very much pudding, but I suppose that's okay, since it wasn't well loved.  Again, don't get me wrong--it tasted fine.  I actually liked the vanilla better than the chocolate.  I KNOW!  Hello.  'Sup with that?  For a mid-morning snack I had a small amount of the vanilla pudding with some chopped walnuts and dried cranberries.  A friend came over later in the day and I had her eat this---

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She liked the chocolate side better.   There is still some chocolate rice pudding left.  Anyone?  I'm glad I made this and now I know--I'll stick with yogurt or ice cream or even Jell-o pudding cups.  Thanks!  Seriously, I'm not mad or upset or even sad that I made this, I just prefer MANY, MANY other desserts.  See you next week for TWD's Thanksgiving Twofer Pie, we're talking two pies (pumpkin and pecan) in one!  We've been told we can make the pie for Thanksgiving and not have to post until after the holiday, so maybe don't expect me to post it on Tuesday.

Hey, check out all the other baker's rice puddings at the Tueday's With Dorie site.  I can't wait to see what other's have done!  Check my blog tomorrow for some yummy peanut butter treats!

22 comments:

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I personally love rice pudding. It is the dessert my gradma allways did for us all and my all family loves it. The highlight of my childhood years was licking the rice pudding spoon used to stir it. If it's not your thing, it's not. No big deal, just you the leftover on some ccc! ;)

Megan said...

Yeah, even though I love rice pudding, this one didn't do it for me. I like your presentation of side by side, it looks cool!

Maria said...

I love the toppings. The pudding looks great to me!

Anonymous said...

I agree! BLECH to rice pudding! Bring on the twofer pie!

BUT yours does look delicious! I love the presentation!

Sarah said...

it turned out great, even if it didn't wow you. don't feel bad, it wasn't the best thing for me either!

Anonymous said...

The walnuts and dried cranberries were a great idea! I thought this pudding was a little bland and really needed mix-ins.

chocolatechic said...

#2, 3 and 5....I am so with you.

and it did take waaaaaaaaay to long to make

Engineer Baker said...

Even though you weren't a fan, that dish you made up for your friend looks fantastic! I agree that there are a lot of desserts I like better than rice pudding though.

Anonymous said...

Oh, your photo of the serving for your friend was so cute and loving...I bet she felt very special. This was the first recipe we didn't care for and I feel a little guilty, so it was nice to know that someone else won't be revisiting this one either...now onto next week!

Satisfying my Sweet Tooth said...

Well it looked really good at least!

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said...

the pictures and your two toned pudding. I didn't make it because no one would have even tried it in my house.

Anonymous said...

Your rice pudding presentation looks great with both flavors and toppings.

Shelby said...

I think it looks great! I like rice pudding though. Glad it was a success for you.

Darius T. Williams said...

Totally - both works for me. That's exactly what I do when I go somewhere and can't decide which appetizer I want...just get them both!

-DTW
www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

the Spaz said...

Although it's not your favorite, you definitely made it look pretty and appetizing! (Definitely moreso than mine.) Great presentation. :)

Pamela said...

Well, what do you know! We did have the same presentation...though yours is a tad fancier than mine! Great job. I'm with you. There are so many other things begging me to eat them for dessert. :o)

Di said...

Surprisingly, I liked the vanilla version better than the chocolate, too. But I still don't like the texture of either. But hey, we tried it, right? Now I know I still don't like rice pudding. =)

Nancy/n.o.e said...

Sorry this wasn't a big hit at your house. We did the same choc+van bowl! I'll bet you guys love the pie; it looks positively decadent. Yum.
Nancy

Cakelaw said...

I'm with ya on the time that this took - my Mum's recipe is much less fuss for a result that is not much shy of this one. Love the black'n'white arrangeemnt.

Kimberly Johnson said...

Your puddings look great! I also preferred the vanilla over chocolate.

Leslie said...

I think soooo many people have a love hate realtionship with rice pudding!

AmyRuth said...

Are we all ready for some all American Cookies, again? Just kidding. Sounds kinda good though. I'm on the same page....just prefer other desserts, although I thought the vanilla was the most appealing. Go figure! Great job and neat photos.
AmyRuth