Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits

Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits are a delicious and unique dessert that combines the creamy texture of rice pudding with the tartness of cranberry sauce. This recipe is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to impress your guests with a beautiful and tasty dessert.

History

Rice pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of cranberry sauce to this classic dish adds a festive twist and a burst of flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of cooked rice
1.5 cups of milk
3 tbsp of sugar
Dash of salt
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 x 1.5 oz (43 g) envelope of prepared whipped topping mix
1 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tbsp of sherry (optional)

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, about 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and add vanilla. Allow to cool.
Fold in the prepared whipped topping mix.
In a separate bowl, combine cranberry sauce and sherry, if using.
Alternate layers of the rice mixture and cranberry sauce in parfait glasses or dessert dishes.

Variations

For a vegan version, use almond milk and coconut whipped cream.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the rice pudding mixture for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different fruit sauces, such as raspberry or blueberry, in place of the cranberry sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the rice pudding mixture frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- For a richer flavor, you can substitute heavy cream for some or all of the milk in this recipe.

- If you don't have sherry on hand, you can use orange juice or another fruit juice as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits chilled, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a creamy and delicious rice pudding is to cook the rice slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whipped topping mix, you can use whipped cream or whipped coconut cream as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice pudding and cranberry sauce ahead of time and assemble the parfaits just before serving for a stress-free dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

Layer the rice pudding and cranberry sauce in clear glass parfait glasses for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover parfaits in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 30 seconds or enjoy chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfait contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfait contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfait contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfait contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfait is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfait is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free treat for any occasion.

Summary

Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits are a delightful and festive dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With a creamy rice pudding base and a tangy cranberry sauce swirl, this dessert is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy this treat any time of year for a sweet and satisfying end to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a crisp autumn day, with the leaves turning vibrant shades of red and orange, when I stumbled upon a quaint little cookbook at a yard sale. As I leafed through its pages, my eyes landed on a recipe that caught my attention - Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits.

The combination of tart cranberries, creamy rice pudding, and a swirl of sweet vanilla bean custard seemed like a match made in dessert heaven. I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it called out to me. I knew I had to give it a try.

I brought the cookbook home and set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients. The recipe called for fresh cranberries, arborio rice, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla beans, and a touch of cinnamon. As I measured out each ingredient and began to cook, the kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting scents of the season.

I simmered the cranberries with sugar and a splash of water until they burst and released their ruby red juices. Meanwhile, I cooked the arborio rice until it was tender and creamy, adding in the heavy cream to give it a luxurious texture. The vanilla beans were scraped and added to a pot of milk, creating a fragrant custard that would swirl through the parfait.

As the components of the dish came together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Would this unusual combination of flavors work together harmoniously? Would the cranberries be too tart against the sweet rice pudding? These questions swirled in my mind as I assembled the parfaits in tall glasses, layering the rice pudding with the cranberry compote and the vanilla custard.

I placed the parfaits in the refrigerator to chill, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The wait seemed endless as I counted down the hours until dessert time. Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I served the Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits to my family.

The first bite was a revelation. The tartness of the cranberries was perfectly balanced by the creamy rice pudding, while the vanilla custard added a hint of sweetness that tied everything together. Each spoonful was a symphony of flavors and textures, a true feast for the senses.

My family's eyes widened in delight as they savored each mouthful, exclaiming over the unexpected combination of ingredients. They declared the Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits a new family favorite, a dish that would surely be requested at every gathering from now on.

As I basked in the glow of their praise, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This recipe, discovered by chance in a dusty old cookbook, had become a beloved addition to our family's culinary repertoire. It was a reminder of the joy that comes from trying new things, from stepping outside of one's comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

And so, the story of the Cranberry Swirl Rice Parfaits became a treasured chapter in my culinary journey. It was a reminder that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected of places, and that sometimes the best recipes are the ones waiting to be discovered.