Puerto Rican Rice Pudding (Arroz con Dulce)

Rice puddings are found all over the world.
The recipes vary within every single country. Puerto Rican Rice Pudding (Arroz con Dulce) is a typical dessert served during the holiday season in Puerto Rico combined with delicious food, great music and festive merry-making.

Servings 6-8

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt
• 1 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 14 oz. can coconut milk
• 1/3 cup of raisins
• 1/2 cup of organic sugar
• 1 cup of short grain rice
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavor
• ground cinnamon for garnish

Procedure:
In a large saucepan, combine the 3 cups of water, salt, cinnamon sticks, ginger. Bring to a boil. Pour the liquid through a colander into a bowl; discard the spices.
Combine the spiced water with the coconut milk, 1 cup water and vanilla flavor in a large suacepan. Bring the liquid to a boil. Add all the remaining ingredients except the cinnamon.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the lid from the pan, stir, and cook for 15 more minutes , or until the rice is cooked. (all the liquid should be absorbed) Pour onto a platter and sprikle with cinnamon.

Tip: to garnish add a cup of diced mango/peach and 2 cinnamon sticks. When serving use a martini glass.