Maraschino Cherry Rice Pudding

Name: Maraschino Cherry Rice Pudding
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked long grain rice; 3 cups 2% milk; 1/3 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; TOPPING:; 1/3 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; Dash salt; 1 egg white; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; Maraschino cherries, optional

As a grandmother, I've been cooking for many years and love to share my recipes. This pretty pastel dessert is a fun choice when you need something sweet for a special occasion. —Sharon Crider, Junction City, Kansas

Ingredients

3 cups cooked long grain rice
3 cups 2% milk
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING:
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Dash salt
1 egg white
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Maraschino cherries, optional

Directions

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, butter and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes or until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly.
Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir in cherries and vanilla. Cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to dessert dishes. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cherry juice and salt. Bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, beat egg white and cream of tartar in a large heat-proof bowl until stiff peaks form. With mixer running on high speed, carefully add hot syrup in a slow steady stream. Continue beating until soft peaks form. Stir in extract. Dollop over pudding. Garnish with cherries if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup pudding with 2 tablespoons topping: 226 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.

Originally published as Maraschino Cherry Rice Pudding in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2013