Rice pudding in a slow cooker

Ingredients:

• 1.5 tbsp. Arborio rice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
• 6 allspice berries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cups whole milk
• 1 and 1/4 cups sugar
• Half a vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• Toasted pecans, rum-soaked raisins, warmed raspberry jam or ground cinnamon, for serving
• Special equipment: multicooker with a capacity of 6-8 liters.

Preparation:

1. Place the rice, butter, salt, allspice, and cinnamon stick in a 6-quart slow cooker. Set the heat to high (see Note). Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is pale but not browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add 1 cup of milk and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until most of the milk is absorbed and the mixture is thick and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Add sugar and 4 cups of water, then scrape the vanilla bean seeds from the pod and add them to the pudding, stirring. Following the manufacturer's instructions, close the lid and prepare the slow cooker. Set the pressure cooker to low pressure for 15 minutes.
3. Once the pressure cooker cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow the pressure to release naturally. After 10 minutes, being careful not to burn yourself with residual steam, open and remove the lid.
4. Stir the rice pudding, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking. Set the pan to high heat and add the cream and the remaining 4 cups of milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pudding comes to a boil, 3-4 minutes. It will be quite runny but will thicken as it cools.
5. Transfer to a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap, placing it directly on the surface of the rice pudding to prevent it from forming a skin. Let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to allow the pudding to thicken. It will still be warm.
6. Stir before serving. Sprinkle with toasted pecans, rum-spiked raisins, cinnamon, or drizzle with warm raspberry jam.
   
   Note
   
   Multicooker settings and modes may vary depending on the model. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.