Dark Chocolate Rice Pudding: National Rice Pudding Day

Today is National Rice Pudding Day, and of course, it's Chocolate Rice Pudding here at Dyingforchocolate.com. This is not the same recipe for Chocolate Recipe for Rice Pudding Day that I posted last year. This recipe is richer and easier. You can always top with fresh whipped cream, but I really don't think it needs it! Celebrate!

CHOCOLATE RICE PUDDING

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup half and half
1/3 cup granulated sugar
dash of salt
1 cup uncooked rice
3/4 teaspoon Madagascar vanilla
3 ounces dark chocolate (75-85% cacao), finely chopped

Preparation:
1. Over low heat, bring milk, half and half, sugar and salt to nearly scalding temperature. Hint: Milk will not simmer, but it will steam when stirred at the near-scalding point.
2. Add rice to milk and continue cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 22 minutes, until rice is creamy and slightly soft.
3. Add vanilla and chopped dark chocolate to hot rice and stir until chocolate melts and becomes part of the pudding.
4. Divide pudding into 4 dessert bowls and serve warm or chilled.