Apricot Rice Pudding II

Apricot Rice Pudding II Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Apricot Rice Pudding II is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy texture of rice pudding with the tangy sweetness of apricots. This recipe is a wonderful twist on traditional rice pudding, incorporating apricot nectar, preserves, and a hint of coconut to create a dish that is both comforting and exotic. Perfect for any season, this dessert can be served warm in the colder months or chilled during the summer, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

History

The concept of rice pudding dates back centuries and is found in various forms across many cultures. The addition of apricots to rice pudding, however, is a more modern innovation that brings a fresh and fruity flavor to the traditional dish. Apricots have been cultivated since ancient times, and their sweet yet tart taste complements the creamy rice pudding beautifully. This recipe, Apricot Rice Pudding II, is a testament to the evolution of culinary traditions, blending old with new to create a dish that is both familiar and novel.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of cooked rice
0.5 cups of flaked coconut
1.5 cups of apricot nectar
0.5 cups of water
0.67 cups of sugar, divided
0.25 tsp of salt
3 eggs, separated
1 tsp of grated lemon peel
1 tsp of vanilla extract
0.25 tsp of almond extract
0.5 cups of apricot preserves

How to prepare

Combine 1 cup of rice and 1 cup of coconut in a shallow 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) baking dish.
Heat 1 cup of apricot nectar, 1 cup of water, 0.33 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan until boiling; remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, combine 4 egg yolks, grated lemon peel from 1 lemon, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 0.5 tsp of almond extract; beat slightly.
Gradually stir in the hot apricot nectar mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
Pour the mixture over the rice and coconut in the baking dish; stir to combine.
Place the baking dish in a large pan containing 1 inch of hot water.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the pudding is set; cool slightly.
Spread the top of the pudding with apricot preserves.
In a separate bowl, beat 4 egg whites with 0.33 cup of sugar until stiff but not dry.
Spread the meringue over the pudding.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
Serve the pudding warm or cold.

Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg replacer and use coconut cream in place of any dairy components.
Add a layer of sliced fresh apricots beneath the apricot preserves for an extra burst of fruitiness.
For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle toasted almond slices on top of the pudding before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apricot Rice Pudding II turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use a shallow baking dish to ensure even cooking of the pudding.

- When combining the hot apricot nectar mixture with the egg yolks, do so gradually to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling.

- Ensure the water bath is hot when placing the baking dish inside, as this helps cook the pudding evenly.

- For a more pronounced apricot flavor, you can add extra apricot preserves on top of the pudding before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This pudding can be served either warm or cold, depending on preference. For a warm dessert, serve immediately after baking. For a cold dessert, allow the pudding to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with additional apricot preserves or fresh apricot slices for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include baking in a water bath to ensure gentle and even cooking of the pudding, and creating a meringue topping for a light, airy finish. Mastering these techniques will result in a perfectly set pudding with a beautifully browned meringue.

Ingredient Substitutions

If apricot nectar is unavailable, peach nectar can be used as a substitute.

- Maple syrup or honey can replace sugar for a different sweetness profile.

- Lemon zest can be substituted with orange zest for a slightly different citrus note.

Make Ahead Tips

The rice and coconut mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The apricot nectar mixture can also be made ahead of time and kept chilled. Assemble and bake the pudding just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pudding in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a thin slice of apricot for a visually appealing presentation that highlights the flavors of the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Apricot Rice Pudding II pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine such as Riesling or a sparkling Prosecco. The sweetness of the wine complements the tangy apricot flavors, making for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pudding in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the meringue topping may not retain its original texture upon reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Apricot Rice Pudding II contains approximately 250 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, with fats and proteins contributing to the overall caloric content.

Carbohydrates

This dessert is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the sugar, rice, and apricot preserves. A single serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come from a mix of simple sugars and complex carbohydrates from the rice, providing both quick energy and sustained release.

Fats

The Apricot Rice Pudding II is low to moderate in fats, with most of the fat content coming from the egg yolks and the coconut flakes. A serving contains about 5 grams of fat, which contributes to the creamy texture of the pudding without making it overly heavy.

Proteins

Each serving of this pudding provides a modest amount of protein, approximately 4 grams, primarily from the eggs. While not a high-protein dish, it offers enough protein to contribute to a balanced diet.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert offers a range of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the apricots and eggs. Apricots are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, while eggs provide vitamins D, B12, and minerals such as selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs and may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients. Additionally, those with a sensitivity to gluten should ensure that the vanilla and almond extracts used are gluten-free.

Summary

Overall, Apricot Rice Pudding II is a dessert that offers a balance of sweet flavors, creamy textures, and nutritional benefits. While it is relatively high in carbohydrates and calories, it also provides vitamins, minerals, and a moderate amount of protein and fat.

Summary

Apricot Rice Pudding II is a sumptuous dessert that combines the creamy comfort of rice pudding with the vibrant flavor of apricots. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and versatile serving options, this dish is sure to become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether served warm or cold, it offers a delightful end to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Apricot Rice Pudding II. It was a hot summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for a potluck dinner. As I scanned the table of delicious dishes, my eyes landed on a creamy, golden-hued dessert that caught my attention. My friend, who was an excellent cook, had made this decadent dessert that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to try making it myself. The combination of creamy rice pudding and sweet apricots sounded like the perfect dessert to treat my family with.

I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients – arborio rice, milk, sugar, apricots, and a hint of vanilla extract. As I carefully measured out each ingredient, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. This was going to be a new culinary adventure for me, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out.

I started by simmering the rice in a pot of milk, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. The aroma of the warm milk and rice filled the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that made me feel right at home. As the rice began to soften and absorb the milk, I added the sugar and vanilla extract, sweetening the pudding to perfection.

Next, I chopped up the dried apricots and added them to the simmering pot. The bright orange fruits added a burst of color to the creamy pudding, making it look even more inviting. I stirred everything together and let it cook until the rice was tender and the apricots had softened.

Once the pudding had reached the desired consistency, I carefully transferred it to individual serving dishes, taking care to distribute the apricots evenly. I couldn't wait to taste the final product, so I popped one of the dishes into the refrigerator to chill while I cleaned up the kitchen.

Later that evening, after dinner, I brought out the chilled Apricot Rice Pudding II for my family to try. The creamy pudding glistened in the soft candlelight, tempting us all with its sweet aroma. As we dug into our desserts, I watched with bated breath as my family's faces lit up with delight.

The pudding was a hit! The creamy texture of the rice combined with the sweet apricots created a harmonious blend of flavors that left us all craving for more. My children and husband couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was, and I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out.

From that day on, Apricot Rice Pudding II became a staple in our family's dessert rotation. It was a recipe that brought us together, creating cherished memories around the dining table that we would always hold dear. I was grateful to my friend for introducing me to this delightful dessert, and I knew that it would continue to be a favorite for years to come.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful summer day, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the wonderful meals and desserts that have graced our family table over the years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for all the recipes and techniques that I have learned along the way.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and delicious dessert, look no further than Apricot Rice Pudding II. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it will bring as much joy and happiness to your family as it has to mine. Bon appétit!