Comfort things: Rice pudding and sleeping cats

There is no better comfort food than rice pudding.  I made some on Thursday to welcome Bob home because I knew it would make him happy, and it did.  And, I had rice pudding for breakfast this morning because it is not only comforting, but also deliciously healthy, especially if you pretend it contains no sugar.   

Rice pudding is easy to make, and it always turns out perfectly!  Betsy explained to me that recipes can't be copyrighted (possibly because by law, good food is meant to be shared), so here is the recipe:

Grandma Rose's Rice Pudding

2 quarts whole milk
1/4 tsp. lemon zest
1 cup converted long grain rice
3/4 cup sugar
1 tblsp. butter
pinch of salt
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large saucepan, bring the milk, lemon zest, rice, sugar, butter and salt to a simmer.  Cook for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, making sure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan.  Taste the rice after 30 minutes.  It should be tender.  In a large bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until frothy.  Slowly stir 2/3 of the hot rice mixture into the egg mixture.  Return the rice and egg misture to the saucepan with remaining rice and on low heat, stir the rice constantly for 5-8 minutes until creamy.  Pour into a 2 quart shallow dish, sprinkle with cinnamon, and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serves 8-10.

Important note:  I found the recipe on KSL-TV's Web site seven years ago, and it was submitted by Marguerite Henderson.  I have no idea who Grandma Rose  is, or if she approved of her recipe being published, but I sure do appreciate being able to make the recipe.  Thanks, Grandma Rose!

This recipe will last in the refrigerator for approximately two days, depending on how much comforting you need.  (Once or twice Bob and I ate the WHOLE THING in one day, but we probably were under considerable stress at the time.)

For comfort animals, nothing beats a cat lounging on your desk whilst you work. 

Gus is a most excellent office campanion.  He also does that thing with his throat (ah-ah-ah-ah-ah) when he sees birds outside.