In Good Taste

I really shouldn’t be sharing this. It’s hazardous to waistlines everywhere. It should be locked in a safe inside Fort Knox. Then they should take Fort Knox and sink it to the bottom of the Marianna trench. Then they should detonate the entire earth.

But I have to share it.

It’s that good.

It’s really easy too! Many people have the main ingredients in their pantry already. If you don’t have something below the first 4 ingredients, just improvise with something else in your spice rack. I used a real vanilla bean since I had one from a previous recipe and Meyer Lemons that I saw in the grocery store this weekend. Other good ideas are cinnamon sticks, crumbled up cookies, chocolate, or dried fruit.

Try it, be creative and let me know how it comes out!

But don’t say I didn’t warn you…

VANILLA BEAN RICE PUDDING SCENTED WITH MEYER LEMONS

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups plain cooked white rice
1 can evaporated milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp salt
Meyer Lemon
Vanilla Bean
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Coriander

1. Wash the lemon (whole) and peel off about 3 inches of the rind (try to get just the yellow part) carefully with a paring knife. Then split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise with the paring knife and remove the seeds by opening up the bean halves and scraping the inside.

2. Heat the lemon rind, vanilla bean pod pieces and beans in about 1/2 cup of water over medium heat in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking to separate the seeds (they will stick together if left alone). Simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until the water takes on a yellow cast from the lemon. Remove from heat. Take out the lemon peel and vanilla bean pods.

3. With the cooked rice in a larger saucepan, pour the flavored water into the rice and stir. If you are using cold leftover rice (I did), make sure to break up any clumps. Add in the cans of milk and salt. Season to taste with ground spices.

4. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for about 10 minutes. If the mixture is still too watery for your taste, turn the heat up, still stirring continuously, until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.

Enjoy. It doesn’t last long.