Rice Blacmange Recipe

Rice Blancmange is a delightful and creamy dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It originated in medieval Europe and was popularized in the Victorian era as a luxurious treat. This simple recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite for many.

Blancmange translates to "white dish" in French, referring to its smooth and pale appearance. It is traditionally made with milk and thickened with rice, giving it a custard-like consistency. The addition of flavors like vanilla, almond, or rosewater enhances its delicate taste.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Rice Blancmange. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you can create a delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients:
- 1 pint of milk
- 1 1/2 oz. of ground rice
- 1 oz. of sugar
- Flavouring of your choice (vanilla extract, almond essence, or rosewater)

Instructions:
1. Begin by pouring the milk into a saucepan and adding a strip of lemon peel. This will infuse the milk with a subtle citrusy flavor. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat and bring the milk to a gentle boil.

2. While the milk is heating, mix the ground rice with a spoonful of cold water in a separate bowl. This will help prevent lumps from forming when you add it to the milk.

3. Once the milk reaches a near-boiling point, slowly pour in the rice mixture while stirring continuously. This will ensure that the rice is evenly distributed throughout the blancmange.

4. Allow the mixture to come to a full boil and let it simmer for two to three minutes. Stir constantly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure a smooth consistency.

5. After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemon peel. Prepare a mould by dipping it in cold water before pouring the rice blancmange mixture into it. This will make it easier to remove the blancmange from the mould later.

6. Place the mould with the blancmange mixture in the refrigerator and let it cool and set for several hours or overnight. The cooling process will solidify the dessert and give it the desired firmness.

7. Once the blancmange has completely cooled and set, gently remove it from the mould by running a knife around the edges. Carefully invert the mould onto a serving plate, and the blancmange should come out easily.

8. Rice Blancmange can be served in various ways. One popular option is to accompany it with a dollop of jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a fruity contrast. Alternatively, you can serve it with stewed fruits, like poached apples or pears, for a more decadent touch. Another delightful option is to serve it with a velvety custard sauce for added richness. The choice is yours!

Now that you have mastered the art of making Rice Blancmange, you can experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own variations. Some interesting flavor combinations include adding a hint of freshly grated nutmeg or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Additionally, you can garnish the blancmange with toasted slivered almonds or grated chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Blancmange has similar dessert counterparts in different cuisines. For example, in Italy, you can find a similar dessert called "Biancomangiare," which is traditionally made with almond milk instead of regular milk. In Middle Eastern cuisine, "Mahalabia" is a popular dessert that shares similarities with blancmange. It is made with rice flour, milk, and flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water.

Whether you choose to serve it as a light and refreshing dessert or as a treat for a special occasion, Rice Blancmange is sure to satisfy your cravings for a creamy and comforting sweet dish. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this timeless recipe!