Rice pudding is an easy-to-make, hearty dessert that can be served warm or cold. How to make rice pudding shows you how to whip up your own batch of sticky goodness.

Rice pudding found its beginnings in Asia, but spread to many cultures throughout the world.Wikipedia: Rice Pudding As the dessert traveled, it picked up local color and flavor wherever it went. Rice pudding's easy recipe and readily available ingredients make it a welcome addition to many home menus. Try your hand at this classic dessert, and add your own touch of flavor.

• The following recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup uncooked short grain white rice
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/3 cup raisins

• Making rice pudding is super easy, but you do need to keep a constant eye on your pot. If you don't stir frequently, rice will stick to the bottom and burn.

1. Combine all the ingredients except the raisins in a large heavy sauce pan.
2. Bring mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens (about an hour).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the raisins.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

• While rice pudding is simple to make, it's also a lot of fun to play with the recipe.

1. Replace the raisins with another type of dried fruit.
2. Throw some of your favorite dessert spices into the mix: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg and ginger are great options.
3. Serve your warm rice pudding with a topping of fresh fruit and whipped cream.
4. Try using different types of rice to see how the consistency and taste are affected.

• You can make large quantities of rice pudding with no more trouble than it takes to make a single batch. Cook it up for your next family reunion and serve it as leftovers the rest of the week. If you prefer it warm, heat up an individual serving in the microwave whenever you feel a craving.