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Even the humblest meals — like Crock Pot pinto beans ladled into chipped bowls after the Sunday night church services of my childhood — felt a little more indulgent when there was cornbread on the table.

Then they ladled the liquid into small cups.

Begin adding stock, one ladleful to start — and not adding another ladle until the previous addition has been fully and completely absorbed by the rice.

Options: Add cream to soup and heat gently before serving, or ladle into individual bowls then lightly stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream into each bowl.

Before serving, cover and turn off the heat and allow to rest a bit before reheating to desired temperature before ladling into bowls.