Instructions: Combine the rice, water, dried fruit, if using, butter, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring well, and cook, covered, over low heat until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Add the milk or half-and-half and cook over low heat, stirring, until the rice is thick and creamy, about 5 minutes.

Spoon into bowls and drizzle with a spiral of honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon and add thin slivers of butter to melt on top of the cereal, if desired. Top with fresh fruit, if desired.

This recipe serves 4.

Comments: Rice for breakfast is not such a far-fetched idea when you consider the hundreds of rice-based cold cereals lining the shelves in supermarkets.

This recipe begins with uncooked rice and will serve four for a hearty breakfast. As a variation omit the dried fruit and spoon sliced fresh strawberries, peaches, raspberries, or blueberries over the cereal before serving.

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