Todays post is part of larger food blogging event in support of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Bloggers from all over are posting a comfort food recipe in a virtual show of warmth and caring. While I would love to provide actual food and warmth to those affected, that is somewhat difficult from all the way in California. While virtual support is important, help on the ground is even more critical and I urge everyone who can to donate to those in need. I am not listing specific organizations for donation because I do not want to endorse one organization over another, but there are many out there looking for donations to help those affected by the storm.

When I think of a comfort food dessert the first thing that comes to my mind is rice pudding. Warm and comforting, rice pudding is sweet and satisfying without being overly fancy or pretentions. There are are many different variations on rice pudding and this is one of my favorites. The chai spices and the coconut go so well together and the candied ginger gives it just a bit of spice. While I like making rice pudding as a way of using up leftover rice, this recipe starts with raw arborio rice which releases its starches as it cooks making for an extra creamy rice pudding. It is quick to throw together and makes for a warm and cozy weeknight dessert. I have also made this to serve on shabbat before, once cooked it can sit on a warm blech throughout Shabbat dinner and it will still be great for dessert, it will just be a bit thicker. No matter when you are serving it, to me a warm bowl of rice pudding feels like a virtual hug, which is something that everyone can use.