Arroz Con Leche Mexican Rice Pudding

Indulge in a delightful sweet treat this holiday season with a Mexican Christmas favorite – Arroz Con Leche, a creamy and fragrant rice pudding that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. This traditional dessert is a perfect blend of aromatic spices, tender rice, and sweet condensed milk, making it a cozy and comforting addition to your festive table. Easy to prepare and enjoyed by all, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

**Arroz Con Leche Mexican Rice Pudding**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of white rice
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 4 cups of whole milk
– 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup of raisins
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Ground cinnamon, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Rice:** In a medium saucepan, combine the white rice and cinnamon sticks with enough water to cover the rice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked. Drain the rice and discard the cinnamon sticks.

2. **Cook the Rice:** Return the partially cooked rice to the saucepan and add the whole milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened.

3. **Add Sweetness:** Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and raisins, continuing to cook the pudding over low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more sugar if desired.

4. **Final Touch:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the rice pudding. Discard the cinnamon sticks and allow the pudding to cool slightly.

5. **Serve:** Spoon the warm Arroz Con Leche into individual serving bowls and sprinkle with a dusting of ground cinnamon for a festive touch. Serve the rice pudding either warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

6. **Enjoy:** Delight in the creamy texture and inviting aroma of this Mexican Rice Pudding, a truly comforting dessert that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or for indulging in a cozy moment by yourself, this dish will surely become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions.

Simple yet satisfying, Arroz Con Leche is a delightful way to infuse your holiday celebrations with the warm flavors of Mexico. Whether served as a dessert after a festive meal or enjoyed as a sweet snack during the day, this rice pudding is a versatile and heartwarming treat that captures the essence of Christmas. Embrace the joy of the season with each spoonful of this deliciously comforting dessert, and let the warmth of its flavors wrap you in a blanket of holiday cheer. Cheers to a cozy and delicious Christmas season!