Brûléed Rice Pudding

Add rice and milk to a large pot over medium heat, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon stick, salt, and vanilla bean paste. Allow to cook at a simmer, stirring regularly, for 20-30 minutes, or until rice is cooked through. Remove from the heat and stir in butter, ground cinnamon, walnuts, and dried cherries. Divide the rice pudding among small dishes. Top each rice pudding serving with about ½ tablespoon of granulated sugar, evenly spread out in a thin layer. Use a kitchen torch to brulee the sugar, until the sugar is dark golden brown and melted. Crack into the brûléed pudding and enjoy!