Rustic Rice Pudding Bars

Method

1. Start by prepping your unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour so the cooking goes quickly.
2. Set a wide pan over medium heat and sweat the celery in a little butter until translucent.
3. Add the rice pudding and let it rustic, undisturbed, so it takes on real color before you stir.
4. Stir in the kosher salt along with a good pinch of salt, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until thickened and glossy.
6. Off the heat, brighten it up with chili crisp and a final crack of pepper.
7. Plate it up while hot and pass extra at the table.