Rinse the pudding rice lightly if desired
Add 1 cup pudding rice, 4 cups milk, 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt to a saucepan
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick if desired
Bring to a gentle simmer over low to medium-low heat
Stir frequently to prevent sticking
Cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the rice is soft and the mixture is thick and creamy
Add more milk if the pudding becomes too thick
Remove from the heat
Stir in butter, cream, raisins, or nutmeg if desired
Serve warm or chilled