Here are five ways to raise your rice pudding recipe to fine-restaurant status. Try all of them to decide what you think makes the best rice pudding recipe.

1. Soak the raisins in Armagnac, Grand Marnier or other favorite liqueur.

2. Think beyond raisins: Create a medley of small dried fruits that includes raisins as well as dried blueberries, cherries, cranberries, currants and sultanas (golden raisins).

3. Try a different rice such as elegant, long-grained basmati and jasmine or short, oval arborio (used for risotto).

4. Use coconut milk with black rice or red rice for a Thai rice pudding.

5. Serve the pudding a martini glass or other glam dessert dish.

Cold and creamy, rice pudding is fine hot-weather fare and great year-round comfort food.

If you haven’t made rice pudding lately,
try these gourmet twists. If you need a
garnish, try a cinnamon stick or some
whipped cream.