Home-made horchata is definitely where it's at. I don't think I'll ever buy rice milk or almond milk again, as home-made almond/rice horchata is similar, but much better. I've just started making my own horchata with: almonds, rice, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. I would love to make this with agave syrup too, but, funnily enough, agave syrup is impossible to find in this part of Mexico. It's even possible to make "sugar-free horchata" with no sugars at all, or a little bit of stevia... I'd really love to make horchata from sprouted/germinated almonds - though I haven't been able to find any raw almonds that are still "raw" since California has been irradiating their almonds. Anyways, after several experiments, here's my new horchata recipe:
Recipe: Almond Rice Horchata

My first ever horchata in progress: almonds, rice, cinnamon, and lime zest soaking in water.

Wish you were here: A refreshing and nourishing glass of almond horchata hits the spot when it's too hot to cook. When it's +44C (with humidity) this is a good thing!
Disfruta! Enjoy!
PS - I'm just starting another wave of traveling, so my posts will still be super-sporadic. I wish I had more time to post all the wonderful things I'm learning, but there's always mañana. ;) Next stop: Costa Maya



June 17, 2009 - 09:23
How delicious-sounding!
For sweetening, you might be interested in Xylitol.
Despite it's chemical-sounding name, it was recommended to me by my Naturopath, as I can't have sugar (or similar).
It's from birch bark, evens-out blood sugar and is good for your teeth!
It's also great in wheat-free baking, improves the texture.
June 28, 2009 - 13:28
Great idea Mhairi. I've dabbled with xylitol while on an anti-candida diet and found it was a pretty decent sugar substitute. It has an odd cooling sensation to the mouth, so the cinnamon in the horchata may help counter that. I love that's it's good for the teeth. :D
July 2, 2009 - 21:37
Wow!! this looks so delicious. My tummy doesn't like dairy so much, so this looks fabulous! can't wait to try it :) Enjoy your next bit of traveling!