Horchata

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made with ground rice.  If you've never had it before, it sounds pretty strange, but it is really delicious.  It is creamy yet light, slightly sweet, and has hints of cinnamon and vanilla.  It is a great drink to pair with spicy Latin foods because the creaminess helps cut the spice.  It does take some prep time, but hey, that just means one less thing you have to worry about during the crunch-time of cooking dinner!

Horchata

Number of Servings: 6
Time to Prepare: 4 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 3 cups hot water
• 3 cups milk (I prefer whole or 2%)
• 3/4 to 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Place rice in a blender.  Pulse five times.  Add hot water and blend for two minutes.  Let sit (outside the fridge) for three to six hours.  Pour through a fine mesh strainer and discard the rice fragments.  Blend again with the milk, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.  Add more sugar to taste if needed.  Strain again.  Refrigerate for one hour, strain again and serve.  (If there is still some grittiness remaining, you can also strain it through cheesecloth.)

Source: adapted from AllRecipes