Today is my best friend's birthday, and, although I'm not shelling out the big bucks to send her a package (or even a card), I thought that there must be something I can do. Yes, next time I go home, I'm going to bring her some microwavable caramel popcorn and a Sponch, of course, but that won't be for several months. Today, acting on a query she made a few months ago, I will provide her with the best horchata recipe ever! (Or at least, the best recipe that I know.) This particular recipe is birthday horchata, which is just like regular horchata, but made with festive birthday spirit.
Horchata is a very popular rice-based drink (yes, rice) in Mexico and throughout Central America; it is another one of Mexico's most popular agua de sabores. Served cold, this is always a refreshing drink, but because of its milkiness, I like to drink it on its own or accompanying something sweet...or at least not something too spicy (they will sit weird together in your stomach).
Ingredients
1/2 cup rice
2 cups water
1/2 cup milk
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup sugar
6 cups water
1/4 cup lechera
Directions
1 - In a small pot over low heat, cook the rice in the milk and the 2 cups of water with the cinnamon stick. Cook for about 20 - 25 minutes - the rice should be underdone with a bite to it. The rice should not consume all of the liquid.
2 - Put 3 cups of water into a blender. Add the rice mixture with all of the leftover liquid and half of the cinnamon stick. Puree very well, at least 2 minutes.
3 - Place a cheese cloth (or something similar) on top of a pitcher, and pass the blended mixture through to get out any chunks of rice.
4 - Add 3 more cups of water, the sugar and the lechera. Stir well.
5 - Chill well in the refrigerator or serve over ice. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday to my rice-loving best friend!!
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