The Prince and Rice Pudding

"She's quite what you call old hat."
"And I'm what you call new hat?"
"Better an old hat than a bare head."-Prince and the Showgirl (1947)

This exchange is part of a conversation between Lawrence Olivier as the Prince and Marilyn Monroe as the Showgirl in the 1947 film.  I have read that there were tensions between these two actors but it is one of my favorite Marilyn Monroe films.  And she gets to attend a Royal wedding.

It is funny how once again a hat is a symbol for something else, in this case something a bit risque.  These two characters dance around each other and end up having a good time in spite of themselves.  That white dress that Miss Monroe spends most of the movie wearing is almost a scene stealer.

Creamy white rice pudding is also a scene stealer.  For such a humble dessert it can be so satisfying.  If you serve it with a fruit preserve or compote in a parfait glass it is ready for a closeup.

Rice Pudding

1/2 cup Arborio rice
2 tbs. butter
4-5 cups hot milk
1/2 cup sugar
zest of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup plum preserves

Sauté the rice in the butter until all the rice kernels are coated.  Add 4 cups of the hot milk, the sugar, lemon zest and salt.  Cook for about an hour over medium low heat, stirring every few minutes.  If the pudding gets too thick add a little more hot milk.  The consistency should stay loose, it will thicken a lot as it cools.  The rice should be very creamy with a tiny bit of bite at the center of the kernels.  

When the pudding is ready, layer it into parfait glasses with the plum preserves.  Chill before serving.

White and scrumptious, as good as Marilyn in that white dress!

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