Easy Arroz con Leche

This post is sponsored by La Lechera but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

December is here once again! It has been cold these last few days here in Houston and with more reason it’s time to bring out all the comfort food. One of my all time favorites is Arroz con Leche. One of the best things I’ve had growing up for sure. Arroz con Leche is the Spanish version of the well known ‘rice- pudding’. Here at home for us it is the ultimate favorite comfort dessert. Without a doubt it is the dessert that brings back those childhood memories that I had every December as we gathered around our Christmas tree as kids and counted all the gifts trying to figure out which one of my siblings had the most.

There are many versions of Arroz con Leche in Latin America. I have noticed all are similar in ingredients yet so different. My personal favorite is the one my own mother has taught me. More of the Mexican version I’ll say. For example, some use evaporated milk others use condensed milk, and others just plain milk. For me personally, the big secret is using NESTLÉ® La Lechera Sweetened Condensed Milk. It makes it much richer and sweeter. It gives it a creamier taste that works great at the end.

Another one of my secrets is I use whole milk instead of evaporated milk to add once the rice is cooked. I like to add gradually the milk. In my opinion this is the key to getting the rice to cook fully and release its starch and create its own delicious creaminess. Also adding ground cinnamon aside from the cinnamon sticks as you go is also important to achieve a sweet taste.

Arroz con Leche is an easy dessert to make ahead for your family or if you are hosting Christmas at your home. Best of all it can be served it various different ways. Such as hot, cold, or well chilled. I love when I serve it warm-not too hot and not too cold. Regardless there is no right or wrong way, it will taste delicious and please all those who try it.