Perhaps it’s hard to get going on a dark, shivery morning. Perhaps later in the day a touch of chill and fatigue begin to invade consciousness and must be kept at bay.
Be of good cheer. No extreme measures are needed for a quick comfort fix.
Here are a couple of easy remedies: a bowl of creamy almond-cinnamon rice pudding (a good way to use up leftover cooked rice), and hot chocolate to drink.
Cinnamon-almond rice pudding
3/4cup cooked rice, preferably basmati or jasmine
3/4cup almond milk
1/4teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4cup sliced almonds, toasted
1teaspoon honey
Combine rice, almond milk and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Turn heat to medium and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, until milk is thickened and rice is a bit creamy. Serve in a bowl, topped with almonds and drizzle with honey.
Makes 1 serving.
Microwave instructions: Combine rice, milk and cinnamon in a microwave-safe serving bowl. Cook on full power for 1 minute, then stir and cook 1 to 2 more minutes, until milk is thickened and rice is a bit creamy. Top with almonds and drizzle with honey.
Hot chocolate
6ounces good-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1teaspoon unsweetened cocoa, plus more for garnish
2cups milk
1teaspoon vanilla extract
Place the chocolate and cocoa in a mixing bowl. Bring milk to a boil in a saucepan. Pour over chocolate and cocoa and whisk well to melt and make frothy. Stir in vanilla.
If available, use a hand blender or hand mixer to make it even more frothy on top. Pour into mugs and serve immediately. Dust with cocoa to garnish and serve.
Makes four servings (small but very rich; if calories are of no concern, treat yourself to a double helping).
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