1. Mix one cup of the cold water and the ground rice into a smooth paste. Stir in the sugar and all ingredients except the garnish.

2. In a heavy saucepan bring the remaining 5 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the rice mixture gradually, stir vigorously. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to boil again.

3. Reduce heat to very low and simmer. Stir occasionally, to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pan, for about 1 hour or until done.

4. Transfer to individual dessert bowls and refrigerate.

5. Serve chilled and decorate with coconut or slivered almonds if desired.