Horchata

Ingredients

 * 1 cup long grain white riceHorchata.jpg
 * 2 cups skinless almonds
 * 1-inch piece cinnamon bark
 * 8 cups water
 * 1/2 cup sugar
 * 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
 * Ice cubes

Directions
Wash and drain the rice. Using a spice grinder (an electric coffee grinder works well too), grind the rice until fine; combine with the almonds and cinnamon bark. Add 3 1/2 cups water and let sit overnight, covered. Blend rice mixture until smooth using a blender. Add 2 1/2 cups of water and continue blending. Add sugar and vanilla extract. Strain horchata into a bowl first using a metal strainer and then a double layer of cheesecloth; finish with up to an additional 2 cups of water until it achieves a milky consistency. Enjoy over ice.