Combine 3-1/3 cups milk, rice, cherries, sugar, vanilla bean and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered until rice is tender and mixture is thick, stirring frequently, about 35 minutes. Mix in maple syrup and bourbon, if desired. Serve pudding hot, at room temperature or chilled, thinning with more milk if too thick. dess 164