Rice Pudding

from Joan, 12/4/03. Is this an approximation of kheer, the Indian rice pudding?

1/2 gallon 2% milk
heaping cup basmati rice
1/2 cup sugar - more or less to taste
1 tsp ground cardamom - more or less to taste
sliced almonds, raisins, cinnamon (all optional)
(bet it would be good with unsalted pistachios also)

bring the milk and rice to a boil, stirring frequently, and then simmer slowly, still stirring frequently, until mixture is thick and creamy (this took me about 1 1/4 hours)

stir in the sugar and cardamom (more or less to taste)

I also added a small handful of sliced almonds

I decorated the top with toasted sliced almonds, yellow raisins, and a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar