Cinnamon Scented Rice

Makes: 6 servings

1 8-fl-oz Homemade Vanilla Ensure® Shake*, chilled
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2/3 cup white basmati rice
2 green or brown cardamom pods (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom)
3 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup water

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the rice.
4. Add cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and salt, and continue to stir.
5. Add water and bring to a simmer.
6. Add Ensure and continue to cook until it begins to simmer. (Do not allow the mixture to come to a boil.)
7. Remove from the heat.
8. Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8 oven-safe baking dish.
9. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
10. Place on the middle rack of the oven and cook for 30 minutes.
11. Check the rice. It may need an additional 5 minutes to absorb all of the liquid.
12. Remove from the oven. Allow the rice to steam, covered, for 5 minutes.
13. Remove the cover.
14. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.