I like this recipe because I prefer not to stand and stir while the rice pudding cooks in a saucepan on the stove.  So much easier in the oven and you only have to stir it a couple of times to distribute the rice.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup short or medium grain rice (arborio works well)
  
• 2 tab sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tab sultanas (optional)
  

Method:

1. Place rice in a large buttered casserole dish,
2. add sugar,essence, sultanas and milk, and give it a stir
3. bake in a moderately slow oven for 1 1/2 hours,stiring every 1/2 hour or so - you may need to add a little more milk as it is absorbed & mixture thickens
4. bake a further 1/2 hour or till the top has browned
5. serve with stewed or canned fruit.