Orange-Scented Rice Pudding with Dates | Food Stuff

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-1/2 cups dates, pitted and chopped (we used the Medjool variety - see notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup half-and-half or light cream (see variations below)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 container (8-ounce) vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup water
• 1-3/4 cups whole milk