Guest post: How to make Riz au Lait
While we’re enjoying our latest adventure with James Villas in Provence this week, stocking up on baguettes, cheese, and delicious wine, I’m delighted to welcome two fabulous bloggers to bring you some of their favourite tastes of this famous French region.
Today the gorgeous Mel from Le Coin de Mel brings you a delicious recipe from her childhood. Mel has four children, a husband and a serious food addiction. Her blog, Le Coin de Mel is all about food, family life, allergies, crafts, days out and pretty much everything she gets up to with her four children. When Mel is not drooling over photos of cake on or , she bakes with her children, plans meals, thinks about her next baking challenge, shares recipes with friends or takes photos of food. Enjoy!
Riz au Lait – A Family Recipe by Le Coin de Mel
Just like Proust with his madeleine, some smells, dishes or desserts remind me of my childhood in France. Waffles and rice pudding make me think of my Mamie (grandmother) every time!
I know that here, rice pudding is seen as far from exciting. Most people seem to think of it with disgust as they remember the glue-like consistency of the dessert they were subjected to at school.
To me, Riz au Lait is a real treat. The thick, rice-based pudding is more filling and healthier than ice cream or cake. It is also free from egg, wheat and nuts so my little Jumpy can enjoy it, too! When she was on a dairy-free diet, I found that soya or coconut milk worked well.
It is the sort of afternoon snack I make on a cold day to warm ourselves up. I usually make a big batch. We have a bowl of warm, creamy rice with a mug of hot chocolate, and I let the rest cool down for later, or use it as the base for one of my favourite desserts, Gâteau de Riz.
Oh, and it is incredibly easy to make! Convinced? Still not… My children were the same initially. The idea of eating rice for dessert was not filling them with glee to be honest. Until I suggested adding sprinkles on top, that is. It really made a difference, and now they keep asking me to make Riz au Lait.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
200g pudding rice
1l semi-skimmed milk
1 vanilla pod
120g white sugar (caster or granulated)
Optional: sprinkles
Instructions:
#1 Rinse the rice thoroughly, until the water runs clear.
#2 Place it in a large pan and cover with cold water.
#3 Cook for four minutes on a high heat.
#4 Drain the water and rinse the rice again under the cold tap.
#5 Bring the milk, sugar and vanilla pod (split in two) to the boil.
#6 Add in the rice.
#7 Cook on a low heat for 30 minutes, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon.
Serve warm or cold, with or without sprinkles.
Bon appétit!
Oh wow, utterly delicious and very similar to Greek rice pudding, which I now need to eat! Thanks to Mel and you, gorgeous post and recipe x
HonestMum recently posted…Proud in my Bikini
He he, that’s the trouble with recipe posts isn’t it! 😉
My children love rice pudding. I hated it as a child but have come to love it too, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
#tastytuesday
Fionnuala recently posted…
Ooo sprinkled with lemon and sugar! Never tried that…
This looks just like the “milk rice” my Grandmother used to make for me. I found a similar version in the “Joy of Cooking” cookbook, but I’m going to try this one with the vanilla pod. Yum!
Jen recently posted…Tiny Interesting Choices
I love how this fab post from Mel is bringing back childhood memories for people! Thanks for your comment Jen x
I’m so glad you like the recipe, Jen. “Milk Rice” is the exact translation for Riz au Lait. x
Mel recently posted…Baking with Kids: Quick & Easy Ginger & Honey Biscuits
My fave to cook! But this one is different and Mel is good so I will definitely try this for my next batch (I cook a lot then freeze them and just microwave on mornings for my son)!
Merlinda Little recently posted…On Marriage and Parenting
Wow you’re organised and that’s a great idea to freeze little pots for the morning – thanks for the tip Merlinda! x
I’m the odd one out in my family as I really don’t like rice pudding (or custard – I think it’s a consistency issue!). However, the rest of my family absolutely love rice pudding so I do make it quite often. This recipe looks great and so much healthier than shop bought – love the idea of using sprinkles, I think that will be very popular!
Xx
#sharethejoylinky
JoyandPops recently posted…Finding Joy – What Marriage Means To Me.
I hope your family like it if you make it for them, Joy!
Mel recently posted…Perfect Pulled Pork Recipe
I’m with you on the sprinkles lovely 😉
I’m not a fan but the children would love making this so we shall give it a go
Mummy Fever recently posted…Healthcare once you’re a parent
It seems like adults are not too keen, whilst children like it. I promise you this tastes nothing like shop-bought rice pudding!
Mel recently posted…#FreeFromFeast with Allergy UK (& a Giveaway!)
Yummy! It looks and sounds delicious! I’ve got pudding rice in the cupboard so just need the vanilla pod and I’m ready to go! #sharethejoy
Emma’s Mamma recently posted…Heartbroken – a letter to Emma
Just added vanilla pod to my shopping order and will be trying this out in the next few days – sounds very yummy. Thanks for sharing Mel!
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…Me and Mine – May
I don’t eat rice, sugar or milk but Mel has still managed to appeal to me with her stunning photos and gorgeous words. Love that lady xx
Mummy Tries recently posted…When Life Throws Up A Sh*t Storm, How ACE Are You?
Ha ha, love you!
Thank you so much for featuring one of my recipes, my lovely. It makes me want to have Riz au Lait right now! Enjoy every minute in Provence. X
Mel recently posted…Paul McCartney Live: What a Legend!
Thank YOU honey for a fabulous guest post – I’m so going to be trying this when we get back home to bring back memories of the fabulous time we’re having in Provence! x
My pleasure sweetie! x