Rice Pudding with Dried Cherries and Vanilla

Yield: Serves 6

1/3 cup dried tart cherries
4 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) milk
2/3 cup long-grain white rice
1/3 cup sugar
1 3 x1-inch orange peel strip (orange part only)
Generous pinch of salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional low-fat (1%) milk (optional)

• Place cherries in small bowl. Cover with hot water. Let stand 15 minutes. Drain.
• Combine milk, rice, sugar, orange peel and salt in heavy medium saucepan. 
• Bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring often. 
• Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer gently uncovered until rice is very tender and pudding is creamy, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. 
• Mix in cherries and vanilla. 
• Divide among 6 custard cups. 
• Cool. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill.) Serve chilled or at room

Bon Appétit | December 1998

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rice-Pudding-with-Dried-Cherries-and-Vanilla-5805