CHEESECAKE RICE PUDDING AND A CHOCOLATE VERSION

Steps:

• 1. pour 3 1/2 cups of the half and half, cooked rice, sugar and salt into a large 3-4 quart pot.
• 2. stir constantly over medium heat with a wooden spoon or flat silicone spatula until the mixture thickens, 25-35 minutes. remove from the heat.
• 3. place the beaten egg in a medium bowl. slowly add a spoonful of the hot pudding to the egg, whisking vigorously and constantly.
• 4. continue to temper the egg with 3-4 more spoonfuls of the hot pudding whisking constantly.
• 5. add the tempered pudding and egg mixture into the pot of hot rice pudding, stirring quickly to incorporate.
• 6. return the pot to medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture boils.
• 7. remove from the heat and stir in the last 1/2 cup of half and half and the vanilla extract.
• 8. for the cheese cake version, stir softened cubes of cream cheese into the hot pudding.
• 9. add the powdered sugar and stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
• 10. transfer the pudding to a large bowl. press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to avoid a skin forming and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• 11. the pudding can be served warm, room temperature or cold and will keep well covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• 12. for the chocolate version, add the cocoa, powdered sugar and 1/3-1/2 of the chocolate chips to the hot pudding.
• 13. stir until melted and smooth. transfer the pudding to a large bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to avoid a skin forming.
• 14. refrigerate until ready to serve. once chilled, stir in the remaining chocolate chips.
• 15. serve warm, room temperature or chilled. it will keep well covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.