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).

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!

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---

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!