National Rice Pudding Day

Nothing tastes quite the same as a bowl full of homemade rice pudding from a favorite rice pudding recipe! National Rice Pudding Day challenges individuals and families alike not only to enjoy the standard rice pudding, but also to indulge in more adventurous rice pudding recipes, from rum ߵn’ raisin and more unusual ingredients like lychees and nuts. No matter what, it’s a day to celebrate and enjoy this comforting and delicious food! 

History of National Rice Pudding Day

Rice pudding has a history that dates back thousands of years, possibly as far as 6000 BC. Its roots go back through ancient China, ancient India and the Byzantine Empire. Although rice pudding might get a bad rap in some schools due to its rather glue-ish consistency, when made properly it can be a yummy treat for children and adults alike.

Though rice pudding is a dessert that is filled with carbs, those calories aren’t all completely empty. Eating rice pudding offers a variety of potential health benefits. When made with cow’s milk, rice pudding is a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E and K. It also has minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

National Rice Pudding Day was established to celebrate and show appreciation for this timeless dish that spans continents and generations!

How to Celebrate National Rice Pudding Day

Make a fun time out of something that might have gotten a bit boring – celebrate National Rice Pudding Day! Try out some of these ideas for getting into the spirit of the day:

Enjoy Some Rice Pudding

Whether making it at home from scratch or sourcing some at a local restaurant that serves it, the most important thing to do on National Rice Pudding Day is to eat rice pudding! For those who are not as adventurous in culinary things, rice pudding can often be found in ready to eat cans in the grocery store. It can also be found in rice cups that can be cooked in the microwave in just two minutes. Easy peasy!

Get Creative with Rice Pudding

One of the best ways to enjoy National Rice Pudding Day is to get creative with the different varieties of spices, toppings and mix-ins that can be used to develop some unique flavors in rice pudding. Forget that boring old basic stuff and get crazy with some of your own, or try out some of these ideas to get inspired:

• Berry Crumble Rice Pudding. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries (or a mix) are a delicious addition to rice pudding. Mix in some granola to create an easy and yummy take on a berry crisp.
• Peanut Butter and Banana Rice Pudding. Elvis would be proud as the peanut butter and banana sandwich was a favorite of his. Just add sliced bananas and mix in with a spoonful of delicious peanut butter.
• Cinnamon Orange Rice Pudding. Cinnamon is a perfect warming spice to add to rice pudding, and then shaving in some orange zest offers a tasty citrus flavor.
• Chocolate Caramel Rice Pudding. Make the most out of rice pudding as a dessert by building it into layers with caramel, rice pudding and chocolate sauce. Top with chocolate flakes or Oreo style cookie crumbles.