Stove-Top Rice Pudding

Stove-Top Rice Pudding 1 cup rice (not fast-cooking type) 3 cups milk 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg 3/4 cup finely diced, green apple (optional) Zest of one lemon and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Combine the rice, milk and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, cover and simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until almost all the milk is absorbed by the rice. (If you are going to use the apples, dice them at this time, add zest and lemon juice and set aside.) When the rice is cooked, remove from heat and add spices. Apple mixture can be stirred in at this time. Cover and let rice pudding set about ten minutes to incorporate the flavors. Can be served warm or cold. Makes about six small servings or four hearty desserts. Cooking in the summer heat is not pleasant. This dessert will not take away from your air conditioning and provide a welcome ending to your meal.