Rice Pudding Recipe

This is an activity which involves many different skills. Over all I like the idea that my son can see a variety of materials mixed and cooked to create an entirely different substance, and one which tastes wonderful. I use Delia Smith’s recipe as it is very simple and almost fool proof. Rice pudding is a great dish to make with children of all ages as anything dropped or spilt can be swept or wiped up in a matter of seconds.

This is what you need:
One eager child.
½ cup (110g) of pudding rice
2 dessert spoons (40g) of sugar
1 can of evaporated milk (not the sweetened kind) mix with whole milk to make 900ml
Small amount of butter - around 20g
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
A large baking dish we use a glass dish, 10 by 20 cm, which is a little large but good for little hands to play in.

Set the oven to gas mark 2/150c/300f


What to do:
1. Give the rice to the child. Let him pour it into the dish. Allow time for the sound and texture to register on the ears and fingers.
2. Ask the child to measure the sugar and mix it into the rice. This will blend naturally in 2-3 minutes as the child explores the difference between the rice and sugar.
3. Show the child how to pour the milk mixture slowly into the rice and sugar. Don’t worry if some spills, it won’t ruin the flavour of the pudding.
4. Next drop some chunks of butter on the top. The butter can be mixed and/or dropped over and over if the child wants. Splashes can be wiped up in a matter of seconds and shouldn’t add too much time to the preparation of this dish.
5. Finally sprinkle cinnamon over the top and watch the look of amazement on the child’s face as the powder settles on the surface. Allow time for the child to play and watch the patterns form on the surface.
6. Place dish in the oven making sure the child stands a safe distance away. With or without the child, stir after 30 minutes, and again after another 30 minutes then remove from the oven after another 60 minutes. Allow to cool and serve.

Some experiences for the child:

• Hearing the sounds of different substances hitting the dish
• Mixing and feeling different ingredients - grains, liquid and powder
• Measuring ingredients
• Using fine and gross motor skills when pouring, mixing and playing
• Seeing liquid move in different ways