Did Somebody Say Horchata???

 Let me just say this,


"I LOVE Mexican food!"


 It's all my mother's fault! She exposed me to it at a very young age. As a result, I convulsively search for great Mexican recipes that need to be shared! Today's special recipe is Horchata!  Horchata is a rice-based beverage. There are actually many different ways to make it, from Rum to Hibiscus  flavored! Today, I'm going to keep it simple! 

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups skinless almonds
• 1-inch piece cinnamon bark
• 1 cup milk
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes

Directions

     Wash and drain the rice. Using a spice grinder (an electric coffee grinder works well too), grind the rice until fine. Add almonds and cinnamon bark. Grind. Pour into a bowl, then  add 3 1/2 cups of hot water and let sit overnight, covered. Add milk, then blend rice mixture until smooth using a blender. Add 2 1/2 cups of water and continue blending. Add sugar and vanilla extract. Strain Horchata into a bowl first using a very fine metal strainer (or a cheese cloth if you have one). Finish with up to an additional 2 cups of water until it achieves a milky consistency. Enjoy over ice!