Sweet Rice

When growing up, my mom made what she called rice pudding but was actually what I now call "sweet rice."  She would use leftover rice, add sugar, butter, evaporated milk and a little vanilla extract.  This would all be put in a boiler and after heating it up you had a really delicious dessert.  She sometimes added a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon or cloves.  If we were lucky she would add a few raisins now and then. 

I still make this dish for myself and still love it just as much as I did when I was a kid.  But, last night, while watching a show on the Food Network I came up with an idea for even more additions.  On the show, they were visiting a place, I believe in New York, that served nothing but rice pudding.  After hearing them talk about different toppings that were available I decided to come up with some of my own.  In the above picture you will find one of my ideas.  This was made with leftover rice, a little sugar, butter and a splash of vanilla.  I topped it with coconut and caramel ice cream topping.  Boy was this good! 

Now that I've given you one of my ideas, think about all of the possibilities.  How about a drizzle of chocolate with a cherry?  Or caramel with crushed nuts?  And what about some pineapple?  Just Think With Your Taste Buds and come up with more combinations.