Ingredients

1/4 cup currants or raisins (optional)

2 tablespoons golden rum (optional)

3 cups half-and-half or whole milk

1/2 cup rice, preferably jasmine or basmati

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 plums, sliced

Preparation

If using the currants, soak them in the rum in a small bowl.

Place the half-and-half, rice, sugar, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, continuing to stir.

Drain the currants and stir them into the pudding, then cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the rice is al dente. Spoon the pudding into bowls and serve immediately, or spread it into a serving dish, cover, and chill. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent it from forming a skin (unless you like it!).

Serve pudding in a bowl along with slices of fresh plums.