Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding) (Save This One)

Directions

1. Today's Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul...
2. Arroz con Leche
3. I still remember the sweet aroma of cinnamon, sugar, rice and lowfat milk filling the rooms of her tiny house. As a small child there was nothing much better than eating a bowl of her warm rice pudding straight from the stove. My brother, sister and I would gobble our first servings then beg for seconds.
4. Grandmother's laughter would fill the kitchen as she happily refilled our bowls.
5. Today, relatives on my father's side gather each December in her memory. We lay out a huge spread of traditional family foods, rolls, cheeses, hams, salads, olives and garlic butter. But none taste quite as good as they did when Grandma made them.
6. As dessert time approaches, everyone whispers, "Did Aunt Juanita make the Arroz con Leche" Aunt Juanita is the oldest of my grandmother's five daughters and one son. She likes to keep whether or possibly not she has made the rice pudding a mystery - when she feels ready she ceremoniously brings out the Arroz con Leche. She carefully dishes out small portions - making sure everyone gets their fair share. Fortunately, her Arroz con Leche always tastes just the way "Grandma used to make it."
7. Over the years I have come to realize which the secret ingredients my grandmother, Maria Encarnacion Navarro Cortez, always included in everything she made were huge doses of laughter and love. Those are the elements none of us will ever forget.
8. My brother, sister and I figured out which in order to get bigger portions of Arroz con Leche we needed to learn to make it for ourselves. I know you will appreciate our passion for it as soon as you taste your first spoonful! Here is Aunt Juanita's recipe from Grandma Cortez. It takes time, patience and a lot of love.
9. 1. In a large non-stick pot, heat the whole lowfat milk, white rice, lemon peel and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
10. Turn down heat to low setting and cook for approximately 25 min, stirring occasionally. Test a grain of the rice to see if it is almost soft; if not, continue to cook till soft.
11. 2. Stir in sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
12. Place over a low setting and cook very slowly for approximately 30 more min, stirring often. Cook till thick - not too soupy and not too dry.
13. 3. Transfer to a 2-qt serving bowl. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
14. Allow to cold - it will set like a pudding. Tastes delicious chilled or possibly hot from the stove. Enjoy!