Baked Rice Pudding

Recipe from the kitchen of Grandma Leah

1 c. water
1/2 c. long grain rice
4 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325. Bring water to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to low. Add rice and simmer 5 min. Drain rice. Return rice to saucepan. Add milk, sugar, salt and vanilla. Heat just to warm. Pour into 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish. Bake for 1 and 3/4 to 2 hours stirring every 30 minutes. Serve warm or cold. It is best served with whipping cream.