Rice cooler -- horchata

Yield: 1 Quart

Ingredients:

1 c Uncooked rice
4 1/2 c Warm water
3/4 c Sugar
1 ts Vanilla extract

Instructions:

Place rice in a large bowl. Pour warm water over rice. Set aside an soak six hours or 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 dish towel or cheese cloth. Rinse blender return mixture to blender; add sugar and vanilla. Process until combined. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over cracked ice. Variations: 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. Source: Viva Arroz! Reprinted with permission from USA Rice Council Electronic format courtesy of Karen Mintzias