Horchata Mexicos Favorite Rice Drink Food

MEXICAN HORCHATA

Steps:

• Place the rice and cinnamon stick in a large glass bowl and add the 4 cups of hot water. Cover the bowl with a dish or plastic wrap, then let it soak overnight, or at least 8 hours. *Please see NOTES
• The next day, pour the rice, cinnamon, and water into your blender and process until it becomes a smooth, watery paste.
• Using a strainer or sieve, strain the mixture into a wide mouth pitcher, stirring to help the liquid pass through.
• Add the milk (if using), vanilla extract, and the rest of the water. Stir in the sugar, adjusting the amount to fit your taste. Let the drink chill in the refrigerator. Stir the Horchata before serving, since the rice mix tends to settle at the bottom. Serve in glasses with ice cubes.

HORCHATA (GROUND RICE DRINK)

Steps:

• need also Large Capacity Blender (7-8 Cups).
• Place rice in a bowl with enough hot water to cover.
• Let sit overnight on counter.
• Next day, remove the water.
• Place rice, 1/2 cup fresh water and 2 cups milk in a blender until rice is all ground up.
• Add sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend.
• Add the remaining two cups milk, and 1/2 cup water.
• Blend.
• Strain through thickly layered cheesecloth (more than once may be necessary; do NOT squeeze the cloth).
• Chill and serve. Makes approximately 6 cups.
• Note: This is a favorite for youngsters of all ages. Also, the rice starch in this drink is an excellent way to "put out the fire" on your tongue while eating hot/spicy meals. In summertime, add crushed ice to drink to make a slushy.

RICE COOLER DRINK MEXICAN STYLE - HORCHATA

Steps:

• Place rice in a large bowl. Pour warm water over rice. Set aside an soak overnight.
• Pour into blender jar; process until smooth. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
• Return to blender, process again. Strain mixture into pitcher through a clean, dampened towel or cheese cloth. Rinse blender, return mixture to blender.
• Add sugar and vanilla and process until combined. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over crushed ice.
• FOR FLAVOR VARIATIONS:
• CONDENSED MILK: substitute a can of sweetened condensed milk for the sugar and blend with the rice. Serve with ground cinnamon on top.
• CHOCOLATE - Add 2 ounces grated Mexican chocolate to rice. Continue as directed above.
• STRAWBERRY - Prepare as directed above, adding 1 package (10 ounces) frozen strawberries with the sugar and vanilla. Continue as directed.
• CINNAMON - Add 2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks to rice. After soaking remove cinnamon sticks and discard. Continue as directed above.