Let this old-fashioned dessert simmer on the back of the stove while you prepare the rest of the meal. By the time you're done with the main course, the warm pudding will be ready to spoon into dessert dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (not converted)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Directions

• In heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix milk, rice, sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.
• Add raisins and allspice. Continue to cook, covered, stirring occasionally for about 25 minutes, until rice and raisins are tender.
• Divide pudding among 8 dishes, about 1/2 cup each. Top with a sprinkling of allspice; serve warm.