Orange Cinnamon Rice Pudding

• 1 strip orange peel, plus 1/2 teaspoon grated zest
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Directions

Combine the orange peel, 2 cups water, the butter and a pinch of salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the rice and return to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Bring the milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks and vanilla to a low boil in another saucepan. Add the rice and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 15 minutes. Stir in the grated orange zest and 1/4 cup mascarpone.

Transfer the rice pudding to a large bowl and let cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold and set, about 2 hours.

Beat the remaining 1/4 cup mascarpone and the confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Remove the cinnamon sticks and orange peel from the pudding. Serve topped with the mascarpone and cinnamon.