Feasts and Food: Feast of the Assumption
Cinnamon Rice with Milk and my childhood Virgin Mary statue
For some reason, my grandmother Maria Gratia Palmieri Bruscino made this sweetened rice dish every August 15th, the feast of the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. My grandmother was devoted to the virgin, and celebrated Mary being “assumed” into heaven on this day. Roman Catholics believe Mary was raised to heaven, body and all, never to experience the pain and suffering of an earthly death.
Rice is usually a symbol of abundance and fertility, often thrown at weddings and included in celebratory dishes like Italian Rice Pie at Easter and this loose rice pudding. It is sweet and simple, perfect for anytime of day. You can even use leftover rice. I had a very similar Arroz con Leche every breakfast in Mexico City. What a morning treat!
CINNAMON RICE WITH MILK
SERVES 6 to 8 ( 1/2 cup servings)
3 cups water
1 cup rice (medium or long grain)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and cook stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain rice and let cool slightly.
Pour milk, cinnamon and sugar over rice. Sprinkle top with a bit of additional cinnamon. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve chilled.