Ambrosia Rice Pudding is a rich and creamy dessert that is often savoured as a delightful afternoon snack or post-dinner sweet or whenever one likes to satisfy their sweet cravings. The single-serve rice pudding pots don't need to be refrigerated; they make great lunchbox fillers or on-the-go snacks. Rice puddings have been a traditional comfort food for the British for centuries. You can have it cold or warm; either way, this mushy dessert is a wonderful comfort food. They can be easily digested, satisfy your sweet tooth, and are healthy too. For years now, Ambrosia has been a trusted brand for rice puddings.

History of Rice Pudding and Ambrosia

The Forme of Cury, a collection of medieval recipes written by King Richard II's master chefs in the 14^th century, has mentioned rice pudding. It is this book that is considered the first instructional culinary book published in the English language, which contains the first recorded recipe for rice pudding in Britain.

Rice pudding is known to have made its way to Britain during the 11^th century, even since the Asian-European trade routes were in use. By the 14^th century, it became quite popular and has been served with different flavourings such as vanilla, nutmeg, almonds and raisins. People like to consume it warm, along with a dollop of jam.

Considering the popularity of rice pudding, the company Ambrosia, which initially manufactured dried milk powder for infants, began making rice pudding. The company was founded in 1917 by Alfred Morris. The foundation of the company was laid in his village – Lifton, Devon. He used milk from a special breed of cows known as Red Ruby – initially to make infant milk and soon for puddings. During World War I, British armed forces bought large quantities of tinned, dried milk for their soldiers. Just before World War II, the company began making creamy rice pudding in a tin and was also the first to do this.

After changing hands a few times, the company is now with Premiere Foods, where it operates as a core brand.

Ambrosia Pudding

Ambrosia Pudding is made with fresh milk in Devon Creamery. This canned rice pudding contains calcium and is free of artificial colouring and preservatives. It can be served hot or cold, and it makes a great treat for the whole family or a great snack on its own. To have it warm - it can be warmed slowly in a saucepan so that it doesn't boil and then enjoyed warm. For a creamy rice pudding dessert, serve it in bowls with a dab of jam or a sprinkling of cinnamon. Alternatively, serve it as a cool snack with luscious raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or other nuts that you like.

Ingredients of Ambrosia Pudding

Full Cream Milk

Full cream milk is an important ingredient in rice pudding and gives the dish a rich, creamy texture. Its high-fat content is what gives the rice pudding a smooth and velvety texture, which also adds to its luxurious appearance. The rice absorbs the dairy flavour as it cooks in the milk, creating a delicious and decadent delicacy. Ambrosia uses cream milk from their creamery to prepare their rice pudding.  

Rice

Rice is the main grain used in rice pudding, and its choice can impact the final texture of the dessert. Typically, short-grain or medium-grain rice varieties are preferred for their ability to release starch during cooking, contributing to a creamy consistency. Ambrosia uses good quality rice, which is absorbent in nature, to prepare rice pudding. As the rice simmers in the milk and sugar, it swells and softens, creating a pudding with a delightful balance of chewiness and tenderness.

Sugar

Rice pudding is sweetened with sugar, which provides the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavours of rice and milk. The sugar in the rice and milk mixture melts during cooking, coating the rice grains in a sweet syrup.

How to Enhance the Taste of Ambrosia Rice Pudding

While the rice pudding can immediately be served and had as it is, there are many ways in which you can enhance the flavour of this ready-to-eat dessert. Here are some interesting ways:

Classic Bowlful

Ambrosia rice pudding is a ready-to-eat dessert and can be served directly in bowls. You can have it cold or warm. Just heat it over medium flame for a couple of minutes and serve it to have the pudding warm.

Fruit Toppings

Fruit toppings give the rice pudding a refreshing blast of flavour. Strawberries, blueberries, or a fruit compote drizzle can offer a lovely twist to the pudding's creamy sweetness.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg Dusting

For a delicious taste, sprinkle the rice pudding with a small pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a subtle taste while balancing the pudding's vanilla flavour.

Nuts and Whipped Cream

Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, roasted walnuts, or cashews add some crunchy texture. A dollop of cream to the already creamy rice pudding will be a heavenly addition.

Layered Parfait

Alternate layers of Ambrosia rice pudding with cookie crumbles, fruits, or granola for a completely new dessert.

Caramel Drizzle

Add some caramel sauce over the rice pudding to elevate the favour of rice pudding. The creamy texture is complemented by the rich, buttery overtones of caramel and makes a wonderful dessert.

Rice Pudding Sundae

Ambrosia rice pudding can be made into a sundae by adding layers of chocolate sauce, nuts, and ice cream. This unique variation gives the classic rice pudding a delightful touch.

Ambrosia rice pudding is a delicious dessert known for its creamy goodness. Whether you prefer it plain or with added toppings like fruits or nuts, it is a classic treat loved by all. Perfect for dessert time, Ambrosia rice pudding offers a very simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a delightful and comforting sweet experience.