Happy Santa Lucia! We bring you music and Ris a la malta recipe!

The days can seem dark in many ways, and in Sweden we celebrate Santa Lucia on December 13. Traditionally children and adults gather to sing together in the early morning to bring joy and light to their neighbors, schools, workplaces and old age homes. This year it is of course a bit different, which is why we are sharing a short video from last year's celebration that SWEA organized in Boulder. We also hope you will enjoy the official annual Swedish Lucia broadcasted by Swedish television. Please know that we think of all of you, and that lighter days will come!

Ris a la Malta photo by Linda Lomelio

RIS A LA MALTA

Ingredients
1 cup jasmine rice
2.5 cups milk of your choice
8 ounces heavy cream
2-5 tbs powdered sugar or coconut sugar
pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
toasted almonds or almond slivers (optional)
cuties or orange, or berries (optional)

Cooking Instructions
1. Place the rice, water and salt in a saucepan. Let come to a boil and let simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes.
2. Add the milk and cinnamon stick. Let mixture simmer gently on a low heat with the lid on until thickened, about 20 minutes, stirring every now and then to make sure it doesn’t burn. Let it cool completely.
3. Whip the cream. Add the vanilla extract and sugar. Mix with the cooled rice.
4. Serve with the Ris à la Malta with cuties/orange slices and toasted almond flakes. You can also try it with berry jam.
Enjoy!