For a dessert with a fall feel, try this horchata-inspired rice pudding recipe, topped with candied bites of tender pumpkin. Pittsburgh Chef Joey Hilty calls his rice pudding “sweet, salty, and earthy all at the same time.” He wanted to create something that would be an enjoyable dessert, but not too sweet.

Benefits of Rice Pudding

Though rice pudding is a dessert, it does have some nutritional benefits. And compared to other desserts, it’s a little lower calorie and than your average cookie or cake. The fiber in it also make it more filling, so it’s more likely to give you energy and fill you up than really high-sugar desserts. So, while it’s not exactly “healthy,” we can call it hearty. And with the pumpkin and caramel, the fall flavors make this dish a winner for your dessert table.

Recipes by Joey Hilty, The Vandal
Photography Dave Bryce
Styling Keith Recker

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