So what is this recipe for 'burnt' strawberry cream''? It's luscious, creamy rice pudding spooned over strawberries with a crisp 'burnt', broiled-till-it-melts brown sugar crust.

Burnt Strawberry Cream

3 cups cooked rice
3 cups milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
1 (16-ounce) package frozen sweetened whole strawberries, thawed, drained and sliced in half*
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1. Combine rice, milk, sugar and salt in saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
2. Add cream cheese, broken in small pieces, and vanilla. Stir until cheese is dissolved; chill.
3. Fold in whipped cream. Chill thoroughly.
4. Arrange strawberries over the bottom of a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish. Spoon pudding over berries. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
5. Place under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes or just until sugar melts, or use 8 individual ovenproof dishes. Serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of the USA Rice Federation.