Riz au lait is a timeless classic dish from French home cooking both for children and adults. Every mother has her own recipe which she hands down through her family and of course hers is always the best. I had a serious “discussion” with my Chef Patissier, M Benoit Blin, whose Mother’s recipe was entirely different. We actually settled the argument in front of 3 million viewers on TV. We were both championing our mothers.

You can prepare the rice pudding 1–2 hours in advance. The dish can be served with poached pear or peaches in vanilla and the rice can be first covered with caster sugar then caramelised under the grill..