Saturday, 17 February 2018

Momsey's Best Ever Rice Pudding


Momsey's best rice pudding just got better. With the turmeric being classed as a super spice, a regular in all curry dishes and chilis, too, Momsey now includes it in her rice pudding, the last minute dessert with any meal.

The other day, after cooking more rice than needed, with added turmeric, I refrigerated this world wide staple until a use could be found later in the week. ... I remembered making chocolate mousse twice last week. I needed a change. We all did. With one daughter breast feeding and another about to give birth, my intention was to displace gluten and grains from any dessert I might make for their indulgence. They are so mindful of all foods entering their bodies. Health is #1. I wanted my desserts to reflect that.

I remembered having bought organic 1% milk. Its best before date was coming soon. Must use it now. Too expensive to waste. An open carton of organic half and half was there, too, waiting to be 'called' before its 'date'. Realizing I had all the components for a great dessert, I began to create the rice 'brew' known as rice pudding.

I heated three cups of milk 'product' into the stainless steel pot, sitting atop a burner heat diffuser. A small amount of the milk mixture was added to eggs, slowly. (Eggs need 'heat adjustment' to prevent 'scrambling'). The excitement was building. (The heat is now indirect, a must to minimize scorching when cooking dairy products). A wire whisk kept everything in harmony. A few drops of vanilla were added, with more added at the end for that extra kick of wow. A slow stir kept all ingredients in motion to prevent sticking. The anticipation was growing. I managed to make this simple dessert without a recipe. I had seen many. It was not a challenge to do. The turmeric was barely there, I could see. Time to add more. Why not? Desserts could he healthy, too.

Turmeric, this super spice, is found in many curry dishes, a mainstay in all of Momsey's cooking and baking. It is now to be found in my rice pudding and other desserts. Its colour and flavour do not overwhelm foods or other spices added with it. It is a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal of spices. Why not use it often to keep our brains healthy? Dementia is on the rise, as we live longer, become sedentary and pursue a fast food life style, sometimes, devoid of healthy ingredients. Adding different spices to the desserts we bake makes sense to me.

Whenever we make withdrawals from our health account, we must then make deposits to it for health sake. Of course, an apple would be the best choice. Or a kale salad. No thanks, sometimes dessert is my only escape. With a terrible sense of direction, it is best I stay home, save money and eat dessert, instead.

When I cook rice, now, I make more than needed then freeze it for dessert or side dish as needed in a hurry. Day old rice is better for health, too, becoming resistant starch, like green bananas, a plus in our overindulgent, overweight world. With 3% milk, half and half cream, eggs and sugar, I'm ready to go. Tapioca can replace the rice for that yummy pudding alternative. I will sneak in turmeric, as I always do in many desserts, sandwich fillings, stuffings, soups and even homemade chicken soup. Since there are no recipe police on how I alter the recipe, anything is possible.

Raisins are a favourite of mine, though detested by many because of its taste and texture after being cooked. It is included in my rice pudding, after soaking, then mixed thoroughly throughout. Oh so Yummy and so healthy, I have discovered. The sugar in raisins  contain a rare sugar that is slowly released into the body and reduces cravings. Now they have another purpose. Thank you. I use organic whenever I can find it. Found it the other day at Costco: Sun Maid organic raisins with no oil added. Yay! 
 
On top of my pudding goes the cinnamon because cinnamon, like turmeric, is about health. Turmeric for the brain; cinnamon, for blood pressure. Such a dreamy combination. As I let the rice pudding cool, I am left wondering did I make enough? With 2 dogs to hang out with, a fire to keep stoking, a cat to feed, a book to write, this blog in addition to other chores, I am busy. Love that rice pudding.

No comments:

Post a Comment