Laban al Loz

Ingredients

 * 1¼ cups whole blanched almonds
 * 9 cups water
 * 1 cup sugar
 * 3 or 4 drops of almond extract
 * 2 teaspoons rose or orange-blossom water, or to taste

Directions
1) Grind the almonds as finely as possible in the food processor (do not buy them already ground).

2) Add about 3 cups of the water and blend very thoroughly for several minutes. Pour into a saucepan, add the sugar, and bring to the boil.

3) Simmer for a minute or two, then add the almond extract. Pour the rest of the water in, and leave to macerate overnight. Strain into a jug through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

4) Add rose or orange-blossom water and chill, covered, in the refrigerator.