Alternative:Horchata

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Mexican cuisine

Horchata – Mexican almond rice-water beverage

Ingredients

• 1 lb. rice
• 1 lb. almonds, blanched
• 5 ea. cinnamon sticks, 1 inch in length
• 12 cups hot water
• 20 cups cold water
• 15 slivers lime peel, 2 inches in length
• 5 cups sugar

Procedure

1. Soaking the rice and almonds.
   1. Thoroughly pulverize the rice in a blender.
   2. Transfer to a medium size bowl and add the almonds, cinnamon stick and lime peel.
   3. Stir in 12 cups of hot water.
   4. Cover and let stand at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. Blending and straining.
   1. Place the mixture in the blender and blend for 3 to 4 minutes, until it no longer feels gritty.
   2. Add 10 cups cold water and blend until combined.
   3. Strain using a chinois or strainer lined with cheesecloth a little at a time.
3. Finishing the horchata.
   1. Add 10 cups of cold water and stir in enough sugar to sweeten the drink to taste.
   2. If the consistency is too thick, add additional water.
   3. Cover and refrigerate. Stir before pouring.