White Chocolate Rice Pudding with Cherries Jubilee and Sliced Almonds

Name: White Chocolate Rice Pudding with Cherries Jubilee and Sliced Almonds
Ingredients: 4 1/2 cups whole milk; 2/3 cup long-grain white rice; 2/3 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large egg yolks; 3 tablespoons whipping cream; 4 ounces good-quality white chocolate (recommended: Lindt or Valrhona), chopped; 1 tablespoon grated orange zest; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Warm Cherry Sauce, recipe follows; Whipped cream, for garnish, optional; 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted, for garnish; 1 cup cherry preserves; 3 tablespoons kirsch (cherry brandy)