1 c. cooked rice
1 c. milk
2 1/2 tbsp. sugar
Dash of salt
1 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine rice, milk, sugar, salt, and butter. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 20 minutes, stirring often. Add vanilla. Serve hot or cold. Makes 2 servings.

VARIATIONS:

VELVET RICE PUDDING: Fold 1/2 cup prepared whipped topping into cool pudding. Top with fruit or dessert sauce.

FRUIT SMOOTHIE: Spoon pudding into serving dishes. Top with fruit preserves 9strawberry, pineapple, orange, cherry, or blueberry) and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

FUDGY RICE PUDDING: Pour warm pudding into a baking dish. Arrange chocolate nut candy bar over the top. Bake at 350 degrees until chocolate melts.