horchata Recipe

6 tablespoon white rice
1/14 cups blanched almonds
1 inch cinnamon stick
3 2-inch strips of lime zest(colored rind only) 3/4 inch wide
about 1 cup sugar

thoroughly pulverize the ruce un a blender or spice grinser. transfer to a medium -size bowl and add the almonds, cinnamon stick and lime zest. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of hot tap water, cover and let stand at least 6 hours or preferably, overnight.

Scoop the mixture into a blender jar and blend for 3 to 4 minutes, until no longer feels very gritty. Add 2 cups of water, then blend for a few seconds more. Set a large sieve over a mixing bowl and line with 3 layers of dampened cheese cloth.Pour in the almond-mixture a little at time, gently stirring to help the liquid pass through. When all has been strained, gather up the the corners of the cheesecloth and tiwst them together to trap the dregs inside. Squeeze the package firmly to expel all the remaing liquid.

Add 2 cups of water and stir in enough sugar to sweeten the drink to your taste. If the consistency is too thick add additional water. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Stir before pouring.

yields 1 1/2 quarts, 6 to 7 servings.