There’s nothing quite as depressing as how shorter days get this time of the year.

So I try to cheer myself up the best way I know how: with gallons of pumpkin soup and a generous sprinkle of winter spices in everything else I cook.

And rice pudding is no exception!

Combining traditional Indian chai flavours with the warmth of traditional European winter-y spices, this super-comforting Winter Chai Rice Pudding is my new go-to dessert!

Winter Chai Rice Pudding (serves 6-8)

Ingredients: 1 small glass of Arborio rice, 2-3 pints of whole milk, 3 cs of runny honey, 1 vanilla pod, 3 slightly curshed cardamom seeds, 1 star anise, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1. Put all the ingredients in a large saucepan

2. Cook on low heat stirring regularly until the rice is no longer crunchy (about 30-35 min)

3. Serve warm or cold (and with some red berry coulis if you’re feeling so inclined)

What’s your favourite recipe to beat the winter blues?