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5 INGREDIENTS
Horchata

This popular mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime for a tasty change-of-pace beverage. Use more or less water for a thinner or creamier drink.

—TASTE OF HOME TEST KITCHEN



PREP: 5 MIN. + STANDING • PROCESS: 10 MIN. • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS


3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice

2 cups blanched almonds

1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)

1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel

4 cups hot water

1 cup sugar

1 cup cold water

Ground cinnamon, optional

Lime wedges, optional

1. Place rice in a blender; cover and process 2-3 minutes or until very fine. Transfer to a large bowl; add almonds, cinnamon stick, lime peel and hot water. Let stand, covered, at room temperature 8 hours.

2. Discard cinnamon stick. Transfer rice mixture to a blender; cover and process 3-4 minutes or until smooth. Add sugar; process until sugar is dissolved.

3. Place a strainer over a pitcher; line with double-layered cheesecloth. Pour rice mixture over cheesecloth; using a ladle, press mixture through strainer.

4. Stir in cold water. Serve over ice. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with lime wedges.