Source: U.S.A. Rice Federation

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

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.

Makes 4 rice pudding mixes.

Add these instructions to the gift package:

Cinnamon Rice Pudding

1 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter or margarine (optional)
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter

Combine 1 cup rice from the bag, 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 milk, butter and 1 sugar-spice packet. 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.

Serves 6.

Nutrition values per serving: 312 calories, 11 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 6 g protein 31 mg cholesterol and 340 mg sodium