Pumpkin Rice Pudding

Pumpkin Rice Pudding

1 cup Arborio rice or short-grain rice
3 cups whole milk
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup canned or mashed pumpkin
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
cinnamon or whipped topping and pecans for garnish, optional

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine the rice, 3 cups of milk, and brown sugar. Cook, stirring, until the mixture begins to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until rice is tender and most of the milk is absorbed. This will take about 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the pumpkin with vanilla, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. When the rice is done, remove from heat and stir in the pumpkin mixture. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. To warm the pudding, stir in about 1/2 cup of milk or half and half and warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Serve with a sprinkling of cinnamon and brown sugar, or top with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping and chopped pecans and chopped dried cranberries.

Serves 4 to 6.