Tropical Rice Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the milk, sugar, rice and 2 cups water in a LARGE saucepan, stir and bring to a boil. As soon as it boils, reduce to simmer on medium heat and stir frequently (every 5 minutes or so). Cook until the mixture starts to look thick and creamy, about 30 minutes.
2. 2
   Stir in the coconut milk and continue to simmer and stir frequently. Let cook about another 10 minutes. The rice will be tender and the milk will have thickened.
3. 3
   Remove from the heat and set aside to cool -- about 20 minutes. Stir it once while cooling.
4. 4
   Place the pudding in a bowl and chill. The mixture may not be fully absorbed as yet, but it needs to sit about an hour or two.
5. 5
   Toast the shredded coconut in a saute pan. When you are ready to serve the rice pudding sprinkle the toasted coconut on top of each serving.
6. 6
   Optional -- Add additional tropical fruits for a delicious tropical dessert.