Gulf Coast Rice Pudding Bars

Method

1. Start by prepping your unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour so the cooking goes quickly.
2. Warm a splash of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium heat, then add the scallions and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Turn the heat up, add the rice pudding, and cook until deeply browned and aromatic.
4. Fold in the black pepper and season generously; give everything a minute to come together.
5. Add the coconut milk and let it reduce until it just coats the back of a spoon.
6. Taste and adjust, then finish with a grating of hard cheese right before serving.
7. Serve warm, ideally with something to soak up the sauce.