Recipe Rehab: Raisin Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a recipe that has been around for a long time. It is simple to make and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Shelia writes in with the request to rehab this old fashioned recipe for rice pudding with raisins. Made with white rice, whole milk, and as much sugar as rice, the recipe is full of simple carbohydrates and high in calories meaning it is sure to pack on the pounds if you get carried away with your portion size.

In order to rehab the recipe, I will reduce the calories by using skim milk and a lower amount of sugar. Instead of white rice, I will substitute brown rice and wheat germ. Other whole grains may work for this recipe, but I have found brown rice to be the most similar to the original dish, and I love the nutty flavor and fiber the wheat germ adds. In order to maintain the creamy texture of the pudding, I will heat the rice in the milk and I will bake it to avoid curdling. Adding the raisins to the dish while it is baking will plump them up nicely, and since they will add natural sweetness to the dish, large amounts of sugar are unnecessary.

This new-fashioned recipe is a great finish to any meal.

Ingredients:
3.5 cups skim milk
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:
1. Prepare 1.5 quart casserole dish by coating it with a non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium sauce pan combine the milk, rice, wheat germ, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil while stirring consistently so the milk will not curdle.
3. Once the mixture is boiling, transfer it to the prepared baking dish and cover with tin foil.
4. Bake at 325° F for about 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Add the raisins, vanilla and cinnamon and continue to cook for another 15 minutes.
5. Serve warm or chilled.

Serves: 6

Nutrition Content (per serving): 155 calories, 1 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 31 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 7 g protein, 257 mg sodium, 200 mg calcium

For another after dinner favorite, try my Bread Pudding.

Readers, I would love to hear from you! Please send me your favorite fattening recipes that need a RECIPE REHAB! Everything from your mom's meatloaf to your kid's favorite dessert -- let me lighten it up.

Celebrity dietitian and motivational life coach, Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of www.ffactordiet.com and founder of www.skinnyandthecity.com and www.theskinnyondietitians.com has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off with her program. Her philosophy? Tanya believes you should never sacrifice taste, even when you're eating healthy foods. Have a recipe in need of rehab? Send us your recipe!