Cinnamon Rice Pudding Mix

Description
Makes 4 rice pudding mixes.

Ingredients

 * 4 cups uncooked medium grain rice, divided
 * 2 cups sugar, divided
 * 8 cinnamon sticks
 * 2 teaspoons salt, divided
 * 1 teaspoon ground vanilla, divided

Directions
Place 1 cup rice in each of 4 zip-top plastic bags. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground vanilla in each of 4 separate zip-top plastic bags.

Preparation instructions: Combine 1 cup rice, 1-3/4 cups water, and 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (optional) in 2- to 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil; stir once or twice. Reduce heat; cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Add 3 cups milk, 1/4 cup butter and 1 sugar-spice mix. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy (20 to 25 minutes), stirring frequently. Remove from heat; remove cinnamon sticks. Serve warm or chilled. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and top with whipped cream, if desired. Makes 6 servings.