Oh boy, sleep! That’s where I’m a viking!

Ralph Wiggum is one of the more unique characters on the Simpsons. Ralph is a special kid and says many many special things.

One of my favorite Ralph Wiggum quotes is when Ralph and Lisa’s class is about to dissect worms. Each student has a worm on their desk and when the teacher tells them to start dissection Ralph tells the teacher that there’s a problem, “My worm went in my mouth and then I ate it…can I have another one?”

The teacher tells him that there aren’t any more worms and he should just try to sleep.

Ralph responds, “Oh boy, sleep! That’s where I’m a viking!”

Oh Ralph, you and me both kid.

Cardamom is a commonly used spice in Scandinavian (Viking descendants) desserts and breads. I had a huge tub of brown rice sitting in my fridge begging to be used up.  And Viking Island Rice Pudding was born. Food of champions and Vikings.

Viking Island Rice Pudding

(Serves four)

3 cups cooked brown rice

1 1/2 cups soy milk

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup sugar (more or less to taste)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cardamom

pinch  salt

Begin by toasting your almonds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly and pulling off the heat as soon as they turn light brown.

Dump in your brown rice, soy milk, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, cover, and cook on low for about 15 minutes (the more you cook it the creamier it will get, just be sure there is enough liquid). I don’t have dentures so I appreciate a little bite to my pudding.

After 15 minutes add in the rest of the ingredients and cook for another couple of minutes. Taste for salt or sweetness.

If you are like Ralph: accidentally ate your worm and are told to just go to sleep, this Viking Island Pudding’s creaminess will put you right to sleep so you too can be transported to Viking Land.

Thanks Ralph, you’re the best.