An old custom is to use the creamy white rice porridge as a means of divination. Bury a blanched almond in the porridge – the recipient will marry within the coming year. Add a bitter almond – spinsterhood is in store for you. In our family, not desiring to have our children marry at the tender age of 6 or 7, we modified the tradition – find the blanched almond, and you get to open the first present after Christmas dinner!!!
Rice Porridge
Ingredients
- 5 dl Water
- 1 ½ tablespoons margarine or butter
- 2 dl short grain white rice regular rice works out well also, but not the basmati or oriental types
- 2 dl whipping cream
- Salt
- Sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- A few cloves
- Grated lemon rind
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the rice, cinnamon sticks, clove and margarine or butter. Bring the heat to low and let simmer, covered, for 20 minutes without stirring.
- Stir in the whipping cream, let simmer 3 to 4 minutes. Stir now and then.
- Season to taste with salt and sugar. If the porridge is too thick, add a little milk.
- Sprinkle with lemon rind, and serve.
Photo by underthesun 