What is a good plain rice pudding recipe? I can't find good ones without some sort of spice or raisins in it.

I also like rice pudding, but love the plain varieties with no spice. Below is a simple recipe that I use at home, that is very easy to make. It doesn't call for any spice or any dried fruits like raisins in it, and is cooked in the oven. Use the long grain rice in your pantry for this.

Rice Pudding

1/2 c rice
1/2 c sugar
1/2 t salt
4 c whole milk

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Place rice with sugar, salt and milk in a saucepan. Over low heat bring the temperature to hot (do not bring to a boil, just get the milk hot). Transfer this to a baking dish with a lid. Cover and place in oven. Set timer for 1 hour and a half (90 minutes, no peeking!). Remove from oven and take off lid. Will be very hot; serve hot, warm or cold.

Notes: 2% milk works fine. Use a covered casserole with about an 8 cup capacity.

References used:

From the recipe files of Renee Shelton. Adapted from:
Editors of Time-Life Books. The Good Cook Techniques & Recipes: Dried Beans and Grains.
     Alexandria: Time, 1982.

Copyright © 2009 Beach Cuisine™ Inc and Renee Shelton.