The landscape is covered in snow once more (I really have NO complaints this winter!!:), yet for some reason my mind got settled on horchata, a refreshing (summertime) drink I first heard of and tasted it while living in Spain, a couple of years ago.

In Spain, horchata (or better, horchata de chufas) would usually refer to the drink, made from tigernuts (or chufas), water and sugar. They sell it even in supermarkets (not so good, but…) and it originates from Valencia. It is served ice cold and is -as such- a perfect refreshment in the summer, not to mention it makes a great replacement of milk for people suffering from lactose intolerance.

This drink can be, however, made of other nuts as well. I’ve never seen a tigernut nor I could find any around here, so given that I had almonds left from December baking, I decided to make horchata de almendra. After browsing the recipes, I opted for making one with cinnamon and lemon peel. I used unpeeled almonds, which -in my opinion- gave it a slightly stronger aroma. The taste was fantastic, refreshing (although I didn’t serve it on ice) and I think I found a great drink for this summer!

HORCHATA DE ALMENDRA

200g almonds (peeled or unpeeled), not too finely ground
200g sugar (I used blond cane sugar)
cca. 1.5l water
peel of one non-treated lemon
2 cinnamon sticks

1. You will need a big pot with a lid, in which you pour the water, add ground almonds, cinnamon sticks and lemon peel (without the white part).
2. Slowly bring to boil and let simmer -uncovered- for about 20 minutes. Remove from fire, cover and let cool completely. I let it cool in the balcony; of course in summer I won’t be able to do that.
3. Once cooled, filter the drink using a strainer first. Then you will have to use a cotton cloth to filter it the 2nd time, otherwise you will have too many sediments in your glass.
4. Serve cold. It keeps well in the fridge for at least 5 days.

I hate discarding food so I used these ground cooked almonds for a dessert: I spread them on half of a pancake and the other half with nut chocolate spread – very tasty!

P. S. : We’ve just returned from a short Vienna trip, more about it later…