Welcome to a world where comfort meets elegance with my Lavender-Infused Rice Pudding. This is not your everyday dessert—it's a luxurious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself or impress guests. Let's dive into this creamy delight infused with the delicate essence of lavender.
The rich base of this pudding starts with whole milk, providing creaminess and body. Adding heavy cream takes it up a notch, making the texture luxuriously smooth. Granulated sugar sweetens the deal, while culinary lavender infuses a gentle floral note, making every bite aromatic and special. Arborio rice is the star, famous for its ability to absorb liquid and become wonderfully creamy. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness, and a pinch of salt balances the flavors. Finally, a touch of unsalted butter rounds everything out, adding to the silky texture.
Serve your lavender-infused rice pudding warm or chilled, based on your preference. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a few lavender buds or a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light herbal tea or a crisp glass of white wine, complementing the floral notes.
Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan. Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and sprinkle in the culinary lavender. Set the pan over medium heat, and stir occasionally until you see tiny bubbles forming at the edges—this is just simmering. You don't want it to boil.
Once it's simmering, take the pan off the heat. Let the lavender steep in the warm liquid for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the milk with that lovely floral aroma. After steeping, strain the mixture into a bowl to remove the lavender buds, and wipe out the saucepan.
Return the infused milk back to the clean saucepan and add the Arborio rice and salt. Set it over low heat and stir frequently; this helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from sticking. After about 25-30 minutes, the rice should be tender, and the mixture will have thickened beautifully.
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and unsalted butter until they're fully combined. The butter should melt and incorporate into the pudding, adding a final touch of richness. Let it cool slightly before serving—this will also thicken the pudding a bit more.
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