Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Vanilla rice pudding with Port syrup

Vanilla rice pudding with Port syrup / Arroz doce com baunilha e caldinha de Porto

One of the things I love about watching now movies I saw for the first time on my teen days is seeing known, acclaimed actors at the beginning of their careers. I watched “Witness” last week again, after so many years, and saw Viggo Mortensen as one of the Amish guys (those of you who have been reading me for a while know I’m a huge fan – he is part of my acting Olympus, along with Mr. Fiennes and Mr. Roth). :)
I did not remember Viggo was at that movie, but I once read something here that I completely agree with: even then one could see he had potential, and now, after working with great directors – pairing up beautifully with another favorite of mine – he’s one of the best out there.

I guess I can say the same about this dessert: rice pudding is already good and comforting, but gets even better made with real vanilla and topped with this Port syrup.

Vanilla rice pudding with Port syrup
slightly adapted from Donna Hay magazine

1 cup Arborio rice
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
4 cups (960ml) whole milk
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
½ cup + 1 tablespoon (212g) caster sugar

Sticky Port syrup*:
½ cup (88g) brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (60ml) Port wine

Place the rice, cinnamon, vanilla (seeds and bean), milk, cream and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes or until rice is al dente. Discard the vanilla bean**.
Make the syrup: place the brown sugar and the Port in a small saucepan over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute or until syrupy – it will thicken as it cools.
Divide the rice pudding between six cups or small bowl and top with the sticky Port syrup.

* the original recipes calls for Marsala

** rinse the vanilla bean and remove any traces of cream/milk. Let it dry naturally then place it in your sugar jar

Serves 6

12 comments:

Sailaja said...

wow. mouth watering.. First time here. You have a great blog

Just My Delicious said...

oh, I love such puddings for breakfasts! yummy

Cooking Art said...

Rice pudding seems delicious! Definitely I must try this some day.

Dragana said...

Patricia, your recipes are wonderful and I love your movie commentaries. Maybe you could write a "best of" list one day.

The Urban Baker said...

rice pudding was on my radar this week. you have re-inspired me! looks comforting, delicious and oh-so satisfying! yum

Katie said...

I love the sound of the port sauce, that would really bring it alive

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Patricia, I love the idea of uysing port syrup! I tried it on a tart a while back and it was delicious! :D

poppyseed said...

Witness was one of my all time favorite movies! I also love rice pudding and will definitely try this one.

Patricia Scarpin said...

Sailaja, thank you for stopping by!

Just My, they're so homey and comforting, don't you think?

Cooking Art, thank you! Hope you like it!

Dragana, thank you! That is a great idea - thank you!
xx

Susan, I was feeling kind of down, that's why I wanted something comforting and that reminded of my mom. :)
Thank you, darling!

Katie, it's really unusual, isn't it?

Lorraine, thank you, sweetie! That tart sounds wonderful!

Katie, you are always so sweet, thank you!
xx

Poppyseed, that movie is wonderful! I agree with you.
Hope you like the recipe, too!

eatme_delicious said...

Mmm I love rice pudding and the addition of a port syrup sounds perfect!

S.K.B. said...

I've never commented, which is a shame, because this is the most amazing rice pudding ever. My family goes ape over this. Seriously awesome. Thought you should know!

Patricia Scarpin said...

Hey S.K.B., that is great news! I'm so glad to hear you and your family like the recipe - thank you for letting me know!

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