Risalamande (Danish Almond Rice Pudding with Cherry Sauce)

Name: Risalamande (Danish Almond Rice Pudding with Cherry Sauce)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice; 1 1/4 cup water; 4 cups milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest; 2 tablespoons sugar; 4 ounces chopped blanched almonds; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (*not extract*); 1/2 teaspoon quality almond extract; Cherry Sauce (warm, for serving (click the link for the cherry sauce recipe)); Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish (optional)