Riskrem

Name: Riskrem
Yield: 17
Cuisine: Norway
Ingredients: Short-grain rice — 185 g (6.5 oz); Milk — 960 ml (32 fl oz); Sugar — 3 tbsp; Vanilla extract — 1 tsp; Whipped cream — 360 ml (12 fl oz); Whole almond — 1 (for the tradition); Red berry sauce (rødsaus), store-bought or homemade — 480 ml (16 fl oz)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Short-grain rice — 185 g (6.5 oz)
Milk — 960 ml (32 fl oz)
Sugar — 3 tbsp
Vanilla extract — 1 tsp
Whipped cream — 360 ml (12 fl oz)
Whole almond — 1 (for the tradition)
Red berry sauce (rødsaus), store-bought or homemade — 480 ml (16 fl oz)

Method

Combine the rice and milk in a heavy saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 35–40 minutes until the rice is very tender and the mixture has thickened into a rice pudding.
Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract.
Let the rice pudding cool completely, then chill thoroughly.
Fold the whipped cream gently into the chilled rice pudding.
Hide the whole almond somewhere in the mixture, following tradition.
Serve chilled, topped with the red berry sauce.

Introduction: A creamy rice pudding folded with whipped cream and served with a bright red berry sauce, a beloved Norwegian Christmas dessert.

Cultural Background: Riskrem is a highlight of the Norwegian Christmas table, traditionally served with a single hidden almond, and the lucky person who finds it in their serving wins a small prize, a cherished holiday game.

Tips: Cool the rice pudding completely before folding in the whipped cream, or it will melt and deflate. Fold gently to keep as much air in the whipped cream as possible for a light texture.

Variations: Use a lingonberry or raspberry sauce for the topping, both traditional options. Adjust the whipped cream ratio for a lighter or richer final texture.

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: This is a cold dessert and is not reheated.

FAQs:

Q: What is the almond tradition?

A: A whole almond is hidden in the riskrem, and whoever finds it in their portion traditionally wins a small prize — a beloved part of Norwegian Christmas celebrations.

Q: Can riskrem be made ahead?

A: Yes, the rice pudding base can be made a day ahead and chilled, with the cream folded in closer to serving.