Antidote for a dreary day...

... a batch of my mother's fabulously comforting rice pudding!

You will need:

3 cups of cooked rice

4 1/2 cup milk

3/4 cup sugar

1 pinch of salt

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 

Pour the milk, sugar, and salt into the saucepan with the cooked rice. Stir the rice occasionally to keep from scorching until the soupy mixture begins to boil. Then, lower the heat to a happy simmer. Now, you are ready to add the vanilla (I always let the first teaspoon overflow a bit). Continue to simmer for the next 20-30 minutes until most of the milk has absorbed and it is a consistency you enjoy. Serve warm (although it can be yummy cold, too) sprinkled with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg. Snuggle up on the couch under a fuzzy blanket and relish every ounce of the comforting elixer. Guaranteed to fend off grumbling tummies, frowny faces, and cold shivers. Best when taken with equal doses of hot tea and a good book.