The Best Rice Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Bring the water to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan.
2. 2
   Add the rice, vanilla bean, and salt.
3. 3
   Cook 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Add the milk and cook over very low heat until the rice is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Preheat the oven to 350F.
6. 6
   Lightly butter a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
7. 7
   In a small bowl, combine the cream, sugar, and eggs, then fold into the rice mixture.
8. 8
   Remove the vanilla bean and pour the rice mixture into the buttered baking dish.
9. 9
   Sprinkle with cinnamon.
10. 10
    Place the baking dish into a larger baking pan in the oven.
11. 11
    Pour boiling water into the larger baking pan to a depth of 1 inch.
12. 12
    Bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pudding is firm and the top surface is golden brown.
13. 13
    Cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
14. 14
    Serve at room temperature or refrigerate, covered, to serve chilled.