Coconut Milk Rice Pudding with Cinnamon

1. Simmer the Rice

1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, whole milk, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to ensure the rice doesn't catch on the bottom.

2. Cook to Creamy Perfection

1. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low so the liquid maintains a very gentle simmer.
2. Cook uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. The rice grains should turn completely tender and plump while the liquid thickens into a rich, silky sauce.

3. Sweeten and Flavor

1. Stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves smoothly.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the whole cinnamon stick. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.

4. Serve

1. Ladle the warm pudding into dessert bowls.
2. Dust the surface of each bowl with ground cinnamon just before serving.