Vanilla Bean Almond Rice Pudding

Sometimes you just need a big 'ol vanilla and almond hug.  Because let's be honest.  That's really what rice pudding is.  A big, warm food hug.  It gets down in your middle, all creamy and warm, and just makes everything seem not so bad.  Highly recommended.  Why pay for that expensive therapist when you can just make this?

Vanilla Bean Almond Rice Pudding

½ cup Arborio rice
2 cups whole milk
½ cup half-and-half
½ tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
½ teaspoon almond extract
Toasted sliced almonds, for sprinkling

Combine rice, milk, half-and-half, butter, and sugar in a medium pot and cook over medium-low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.  Stir in the vanilla bean paste and almond extract.  Serve warm, sprinkled with toasted almonds.

Makes 4 servings