Rice pudding with dried cherries

Dried tart cherries give this pudding a distinctive tang that offsets the sweet creaminess of the rice. Dried sweet cherries could be substituted for the tart cherries if you prefer their flavor instead. For crunch and an extra boost of deliciousness, you can sprinkle the top of each serving with a tablespoon of toasted sliced almonds just before serving. And if you prefer to serve the rice pudding cold, cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least three hours or up to three days. It doesn't get much more convenient than that, as the leftovers make a wonderfully tasty snack for another day.